Brussels, Belgium — The Mayor of Forest, Charles Spapens (PS), has voiced strong opposition to a proposal to convert the former Audi Brussels plant into a weapons manufacturing facility, describing the idea as “not a good one” for the city.
The factory, which closed at the end of February, occupies 54,000 hectares — about 10% of Forest’s territory — and is located just a few kilometres from the Grand Place in a densely populated city of 1.2 million residents.
The proposal, put forth by Defence Minister Theo Francken (N-VA), envisions repurposing the site to support Belgium’s rearmament efforts with a focus on technological and military applications.
However, Spapens dismissed the plan as “unrealistic” and a potential risk to Brussels’ safety. “It would be the first place to be bombed in the event of a foreign attack,” the mayor warned, highlighting the strategic vulnerability such a facility could create.
Security Risks and Local Concerns
Spapens argued that military factories are prime targets in conflicts, which could endanger the local population. “A factory directly linked to Belgium’s armament is not a good idea,” he reiterated.
The mayor acknowledged the “difficult geopolitical context” but insisted that transforming the plant into a weapons production site would not benefit the residents of Forest or the broader Brussels region.
He did, however, suggest that a compromise might be possible if the site were used for producing IT equipment or other technological components for defence that would not make it a direct target.
“If it were a matter of producing IT equipment or other technological components useful for defence, I might not oppose it,” Spapens said, stressing the need to avoid turning the plant into a key war target.
Economic Considerations and Employment
Spapens emphasized the importance of securing a sustainable future for the plant that preserves jobs for the local community.
The factory’s closure left 4,000 to 5,000 workers facing uncertainty. “Industry and employment are important to us. The factory’s future must be ensured,” he stated, expressing his willingness to collaborate with the Brussels region and the Federal Government to find an alternative plan that aligns with the community’s needs.
Defence Minister Francken, who is scheduled to visit the former Audi factory next week with representatives from defence companies, argued that the plant’s conversion could play a crucial role in bolstering Belgium’s defence capabilities.
Speaking on De Ochtend (Radio 1), Francken explained that the plan’s success would depend on the cooperation of Audi and the defence companies involved, as well as potential government support.
Next Steps and Uncertainty
While the defence minister is pushing forward with the inspection visit, the opposition from local leadership highlights significant challenges ahead.
The lack of consensus raises questions about the feasibility of repurposing the site for military use without igniting further political and public resistance.
Spapens’ firm stance sets the stage for a contentious debate on the future of the plant, balancing national defence interests with the safety and economic wellbeing of Brussels’ residents
