The European Commission on 5 October announced a €130 million top-up to the Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI) earmarked specifically for counter-drone capabilities, pushing total EU funding for surveillance and anti-drone systems above €500 million. The move follows repeated drone incursions near major transport hubs, including last month’s incident over the Port of Antwerp’s petroleum cluster that stalled ship movements for two hours. Belgium’s Federal Police and the port authorities of Antwerp-Bruges and Zeebrugge have previously tapped BMVI money for fixed-wing surveillance drones. Industry sources say they are now preparing joint proposals for radio-frequency jamming units and AI-enabled detection radars to be installed around critical logistics corridors and airport glide paths. For globally mobile businesses, the investment promises more resilient supply chains; unauthorised drone activity has led to flight diversions at Brussels Airport and temporary shutdowns at Charleroi in the past two years. The funding is also a boost for Belgium’s fast-growing drone-tech sector clustered around Liege Science Park, potentially opening procurement opportunities worth tens of millions of euros. Member States have until 30 November to submit spending plans. Projects will be evaluated on their ability to integrate with Frontex’s Situational Awareness Platform and to respect EU privacy rules—a point Belgian lawmakers will scrutinise closely given the country’s strict data-protection regime.
Source: 2EU Brussels Newsroom
