Theo Francken (b. 1978) is a Belgian politician for the N-VA. From 2010 to 2014, he served in the Chamber of Representatives for the Vlaams-Brabant constituency, where he worked on issues including asylum and migration, nationality law and security. In 2013, he became mayor of Lubbeek.
In October 2014, he joined the Michel I government as Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration. During the 2015 European migration crisis, reception capacity was expanded and the focus was placed on more efficient asylum procedures and stricter migration rules. His term ended in December 2018 following the fall of the government.
He subsequently returned to the Chamber and was re-elected in 2019 and 2024. During the 2019–2024 legislature, he developed a profile as a defence specialist and advocated higher defence spending and the strengthening of military capacity. In 2019, he became chair of the Belgian delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly; in 2023, he was elected vice-chair. He emphasizes the importance of transatlantic cooperation and supports a sovereign and democratic Ukraine.
Since 3 February 2025, he has served as Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade in the De Wever I government. In this role, he has focused on the modernization and readiness of the Belgian armed forces and secured a substantial increase in the defence budget, aimed at strengthening national security and Belgium’s international commitments.