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TUE, JUN 30 · EDT
Entity · Person

Bart De Wever

Person · Head_of_state · Belgium · 65 dispatches indexed · last seen Jun 26, 2026
Recent dispatches · showing 50 of 50
International Relations
António Costa is emerging as the EU's representative to talk with Putin

European Council President António Costa emerged as the EU's natural representative for potential Ukraine peace negotiations with Russia, establishing preliminary diplomatic channels while the bloc extends sanctions and advances Ukraine's EU accession.

The Brussels Times · Jun 20
International Relations
South Korean President to visit Europe for G7 summit, Vatican meeting

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung visits Europe from June 4-18 for the G7 summit and Vatican meetings, aiming to expand Korean companies' market access, strengthen EU security cooperation, and reinforce Korea's status as a globally responsible power.

upi.com · Jun 6
Geopolitical Economics
Belgium stops decommissioning of its nuclear reactors

Belgium halted its nuclear reactor decommissioning and will negotiate state takeover with operator Engie, reversing the 2025 exit decision to secure energy independence and reduce fossil fuel reliance.

Die Zeit · Apr 30
Geopolitical Politics
EU Summit in Cyprus: An Offer to Iran?

EU leaders met in Cyprus to discuss easing Iran sanctions if the country reopens the Strait of Hormuz, addressing global energy price spikes caused by Iranian threats blocking crucial oil and gas shipping routes.

Die Zeit · Apr 24
International Relations
EU states push to curb veto power as Hungary stalls Kyiv aid and Russia action

Multiple EU states, led by Germany and Sweden, are pushing to eliminate the unanimity rule that allows any single member to block foreign policy decisions, citing Hungary's repeated vetoes on Ukraine aid and Russia sanctions as demonstrating the urgent need for reform.

The New Voice of Ukraine · Apr 7
Geopolitical Politics
Merz says Germany and EU must 'bring its power to bear'

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for strengthened European and NATO defense capabilities, citing the Gaza ceasefire and Russian threats, while proposing using 140 billion euros in frozen Russian assets to fund Ukrainian weapons as Europe must assertively exercise its collective power.

DW · Apr 3
Geopolitical Conflict
When Europe is 'stuck' in the Iran war

Europe is caught in the Iran conflict. The US requested support, but Europe refused. Europe faces challenges as the conflict prolongs.

Thanh Nien · Mar 19
International Relations
EU leaders squabble over outreach to Moscow as Ukraine war rages on

EU leaders disagreed on establishing diplomatic channels with Moscow as Ukraine war continues, with some supporting Council President Costa's proposed backchannel while others, including Germany, cautioned against premature decisions on EU representation in potential negotiations.

WRAL · Jun 20
International Relations
Lee returns from Europe with Trump rapport, trade and defense deals in focus

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung returned from his European tour, securing strengthened US-Korea rapport with President Trump, managing EU trade pressures on steel, and supporting Korean defense firms' Canadian submarine bid through pragmatic diplomacy.

The Korea Herald · Jun 18
International Relations
What small states can learn from Singapore

Singapore's post-1965 economic transformation into a prosperous global city offers lessons for Europe's smaller states, particularly regarding strategic resilience and defense cooperation as they navigate geopolitical challenges and security threats.

Engelsberg Ideas · Jun 10
Defense & Arms Transfers
De Wever Calls Abandonment of Joint Fighter Jet Project 'Sheer Stupidity'

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever criticized France and Germany for abandoning a 100 billion euro joint fighter jet project, calling the decision foolish and arguing European nations must pursue unified defense strategies amid Russian threats and American disengagement.

Protothema · Jun 9
International Relations
Ukraine's EU Accession Talks Could Begin in Coming Weeks and Months

EU leaders are preparing to launch formal accession negotiations with Ukraine within weeks to months, marking a significant geopolitical shift as the war-torn nation seeks integration into Western institutions amid ongoing Russian conflict.

Fakti.bg · Apr 25
Geopolitical Politics
Foreign minister: EU must take firmer stance on Israel sanctions

Belgium's Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot urged the EU to impose stricter sanctions on Israel, including partial suspension of their Association Agreement, citing human rights violations and settlement expansion, though Germany and Hungary block consensus measures.

belganewsagency.eu · Apr 21
Geopolitical Conflict
Europe rejects US call to deploy forces in Hormuz

The EU has rejected US calls to deploy naval forces in the Strait of Hormuz. EU foreign ministers stressed no intention of engaging militarily with Iran. A diplomatic solution is prioritized.

https://saudigazette.com.sa · Mar 17
Geopolitical Politics
Belgian Court Suspends New Asylum Rules

Belgium's Constitutional Court suspends stricter asylum rules, citing potential harm to migrants and families, in a blow to the government's migration policy

https://saudigazette.com.sa · Feb 27
Geopolitical Economics
EU to propose diversification law to drive de-risking from China

The European Commission will propose a diversification law requiring EU companies to reduce supply chain dependence on China, addressing a one-billion-euro-daily trade deficit and slow de-risking pace following China's rare earth export restrictions.

Nikkei Asia · Jun 20
International Relations
EU leaders squabble over outreach to Moscow as Ukraine war rages on

EU leaders disagreed at a Brussels summit over opening direct diplomatic channels with Moscow, with Council President António Costa pushing for contact to protect European interests in potential Ukraine peace negotiations while Germany and France insisted Ukraine remain central.

Los Angeles Times · Jun 20
International Relations
Lee broadens diplomatic outreach to Europe in 1st trip to region

President Lee Jae Myung completed South Korea's first presidential visit to Europe, establishing strategic partnerships with the EU, Belgium, Italy, Germany, and Canada while attending the G7 summit to address global challenges including Ukraine, Middle East conflicts, and protectionism.

Yonhap News Agency · Jun 17
International Relations
Lee embarks on Europe tour with G7 summit, economic diplomacy in focus

President Lee Jae Myung embarks on a 10-day European diplomatic tour visiting Belgium, Italy, and the Vatican before attending the G7 summit in France, aiming to strengthen South Korea-EU economic ties, defense cooperation, and address shared security challenges including North Korea and supply chain resilience.

The Korea Herald · Jun 9
Geopolitical Economics
EU agrees on $105bn loan to support Ukraine’s defence against Russia

EU leaders agreed Friday to provide Ukraine a $105 billion interest-free loan from capital markets through 2027, choosing to borrow funds rather than use frozen Russian assets, amid complex legal and political concerns from Belgium and other member states.

Al Jazeera · Apr 4