Belgium Not to Reconsider Anti-Terror Spending After Brussels Attacks

The Belgian authorities do not plan to reconsider the budget for counter-terrorism activities of 400 million euros ($447 million) after terrorist attacks in Brussels, the head of communication at the Belgian Federal Public Services' Budget and Management Control told Sputnik on Friday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The statement comes on the heels of the Tuesday terror attacks in the Belgium capital that targeted an airport and a metro station. Media also circulated a new report which, citing several US counterterrorism officials, stated that at least 400 Daesh fighters were trained for attacks on Europe with the main goal not just to kill as many people as possible, but to press European authorities to spend more money.

"Under the government decision all the [counter-terrorism] projects are being implemented promptly and within the shortest time period. There was no other decision for the date," Martine Maelschalck said, commenting on whether Brussels will consider increasing appropriate funds for measures to counter terrorism.

She added that in the 2016 budget the spending on security and fight against terrorism was doubled compared to 2015.

Two blasts took place in the departure hall of the Brussels Zaventem international airport on Tuesday. Another explosion took place at the Maelbeek metro station near the European Union institutions. Thirty-one people were killed and more than 300 were injured in the attacks. The responsibility for the attacks was claimed by the Islamic State terrorist group, outlawed in many countries, including Russia and the United States.