Prime Minister Bart De Wever will hold a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday afternoon.
During the call, De Wever intends to communicate that Europe will only support a peace agreement with Russia that is acceptable to Ukraine.
On Wednesday, the new Belgian Prime Minister consulted with several European colleagues via video conference, responding to American-Russian peace negotiation plans for Ukraine initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron.
When questioned in Parliament on Thursday by Peter Mertens (PTB-PVDA) and Els Van Hoof (CD&V), De Wever stated that all countries agreed to continue supporting Ukraine and that any peace agreement without Kyiv’s or Europe’s involvement would be unacceptable.
De Wever also stressed that Ukraine is the victim in the conflict and that Russia is the aggressor. He criticised comments made by US President Donald Trump, who suggested earlier this week that Kyiv initiated the war.
“The free democratic West has only one option, which is to support Ukraine towards a peace they accept. I will convey this to Zelensky tomorrow, and I hope to do so with the support of every member in this chamber,” he said, concluding with "Slava Ukraini," meaning "glory to Ukraine."
Prime Minister Bart De Wever gestures as he speaks at a plenary session of the Chamber at the Federal Parliament in Brussels, Thursday 20 February 2025. Credit: Belga
Meanwhile, Belgium will need to increase its defence efforts “to contribute to the continent’s security,” according to the Prime Minister. He acknowledged that defence spending will rise, but promised to manage the funds wisely in response to Mertens’ concerns about purchasing additional American military equipment.
De Wever also noted that decisions in Europe, which usually take a long time, might now be expedited. He advocated for a more integrated European defence strategy, especially regarding military procurements.
Currently, Europe operates in a fragmented manner, and it may be time for a "robust European pillar" within the NATO alliance, relying on fewer weapons systems, indigenous production, and a common procurement policy.
Trump’s blunt statements might present an opportunity, as they make Europe realise "we need to stand on our own feet," De Wever commented during an interview with Villa Politica on VRT 1.
He remains convinced that the United States should stay an ally. "They are obvious allies. We must remain transatlantic at heart and look beyond the Trump administration," De Wever concluded.
