Bart De Wever, the mayor of Antwerp, Belgium, is calling for the installation of air defense systems to protect Europe’s second-largest commercial port. In an interview with the Flemish-language daily Gazet van Antwerpen, the mayor argued for increased air defenses in the context of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Antwerp in the Second World War on Sept. 4.
“I want to raise more money for defense, in particular for the deployment of air defense systems, including Patriots, around the port of Antwerp. I proposed this a few years ago, but it was considered ridiculous at the time. Who is still laughing today?” asked the mayor.
The politician, who also played a role in the formation of the Belgian government, expressed the hope that the war in Ukraine would end as soon as possible, but argued that Antwerp must be prepared for anything.
“If you want peace, prepare for war,” the mayor quoted the Latin saying. He asked: “Why would companies invest in the port of Antwerp if they do not protect their branches there as they do in Rotterdam or Hamburg? Antwerp should be able to protect itself,” said Bart De Wever, adding that Antwerp would do its utmost to provide the necessary resources to build air defense systems.
Although no port in Western Europe is under direct threat, Russian forces have bombed Odessa and other key infrastructure in Ukraine, leading other European countries to boost their missile defense and other plans for possible future attacks.
