Belgium’s Defence Minister, Théo Francken, has confirmed that the country’s specialised burn treatment centre, currently located at the Neder-over-Heembeek military base in Brussels, will not be closed. However, the facility will be relocated as part of a broader plan to integrate it into a recent medical hub, a project initially proposed by his predecessor, Ludivine Dedonder.
While the decision preserves a critical national medical resource, the location of the new centre remains undecided, according to a statement from Francken’s office. The existing centre at Neder-over-Heembeek is one of six burn care units in Belgium, with others located in Charleroi, Liège, Leuven, Ghent, and Antwerp. Closing the Brussels facility was deemed “out of the question,” officials stated.
The confirmation follows a period of scrutiny regarding the future of the burn treatment centre. Francken’s decision represents a shift from earlier concerns about potential closures, and acknowledges the groundwork laid by Dedonder. Dedonder, a member of the Socialist Party (PS), had previously advocated for the development of a comprehensive medical pole, incorporating the burn unit as a key component.
Recent political tensions between Francken and Dedonder have been publicly visible. In November 2025, Dedonder sharply criticised Francken’s rhetoric following a cyberattack targeting Belgian military intelligence websites, attributing the attack, in part, to Francken’s provocative statements regarding potential responses to Russian aggression. She cautioned against “provocation and the risk of riposte,” referencing Francken’s claim that NATO would “raze” Moscow if Russia attacked Brussels.
Further complicating the political landscape, Dedonder has also responded to criticism from Francken regarding preparedness for drone threats. Francken had accused Dedonder of failing to adequately anticipate and invest in countermeasures against drone activity, following several incidents involving drones overflying sensitive locations, including military bases and Brussels Airport. Dedonder defended her record, stating that investments had been made during her tenure, and that the evolving nature of the threat necessitated ongoing adaptation, and investment.
In a separate matter, reports indicate Francken has expressed concern over his predecessor’s practice of posing for photographs with military personnel and sharing those images on social media. This concern highlights a potential divergence in approaches to public engagement with the armed forces.
As of today, the specific timeline and criteria for selecting the new location for the burn treatment centre have not been publicly announced. The Defence Ministry has not indicated when a decision will be made.
