Luxembourg defence minister (déi Gréng) and his Belgian homologue Ludivine Dedonder on 13 October signed a declaration of intent to solidify the choice of locations.  

This agreement brings both defence departments closer to the establishment of their bi-national reconnaissance battalion, which should be equipped with various specialised reconnaissance vehicles compatible with the motorised capability programme currently being acquired by the Belgian Defence.

“The creation of this bi-national battalion will serve as a reference cooperation project at European level to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our armed forces,” Bausch commented in a press release. “It will also increase interoperability between our armies, which has become even more important at NATO level since the events in Ukraine.” 

This collaboration is part of the two countries’ aim to present a stronger united front. The grand duchy shares joint custody of with Belgium. The new army battalion also forms a as round 100 people will need to be hired within the army, he said, with other troops reassigned as part of the joint unit.

As per a Nato agreement, all member states have to spend 2% of the GPD on defence, a target Luxembourg fails to reach. Latest numbers indicate the country has upped its expenditure to 0.6% since 2013, with plans to reach 1% within by 2027.

The Diekirch and Marche-en-Famenne branches will be set up in the initial stage before the Arlon building is refurbished and activated.