Conference “Stop Militarisation”

On 14 March 2026, the Belgium Stop Militarisation platform organized a conference in Brussels bringing together more than 400 participants, including activists, researchers, trade union representatives and political figures. The event took place in the context of rising military spending in Belgium and across Europe, and alongside the first Brussels arms fair, BEDEX, providing a space for debate and mobilization around peace-oriented alternatives.

The conference opened with a plenary session addressing the geopolitical context, the transatlantic alliance and the implications of growing militarisation for European societies. Speakers included Ansje Vanbeselaere (Intal), former Belgian Defence Minister André Flahaut and author Andrew Feinstein. The Stop Militarisation platform, a coalition of Belgian civil society organisations, brought together further international guests and experts with the support from transform! europe, the Stop ReArm Europe campaign, the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, and the global demilitarisation initiative 10% for All.

Participants then joined a series of thematic workshops on topics such as the European arms industry, youth and militarization, criticism of military Keynesianism and many more. Trade union representatives and peace organizations also highlighted the social and economic alternatives to increased military spending. The conference concluded with a collective reflection on future actions and strategies to promote peace, demilitarization and social investment instead of escalating military budgets.