Trump’s return will mean ‘Europe on its own’, Belgian PM tells MEPs
Crucial year of elections: “If 2024 brings us ‘America first’ again, it will be more than ever ‘Europe on its own’”
16 January 2024, 3:57pm
Matthew Vella
Matthew Vella
2 min read
Belgian PM Alexander de Croo
Belgium Prime Minister Alexander De Croo sounded a warning against the prospect of a United States that could end up being led once again by Republican candidate Donald J. Trump, in an address to the European Parliament.
De Croo addressed on the programme of Belgium’s six-month Council Presidency, which started on 1 January. “2024 will be a crucial year, where our democracies and liberties will be put to the test”, De Croo said, referring to the European, but also the US presidential elections: “If 2024 brings us ‘America first’ again, it will be more than ever ‘Europe on its own’”.
De Croo also urged MEPs to maintain solidarity with Ukraine and continued military support, highlighting the existential nature of the cause for Europeans.
He also called for European capital markets to be opened up to boost innovation, and for an Industrial Deal alongside the Green Deal. “The climate policies of China and the US contain an abundance of carrots for their industry. While we, here in Europe, all too often grab for the stick.”
On migration, De Croo said that upholding a more coordinated and integrated foreign policy approach was part of the solution, and called for broad partnerships with third countries to help them become more stable.
He also said the EU should do everything it can to open safe and open humanitarian corridors in Gaza. “The EU must support Israel in freeing their hostages and must help the country in its legitimate battle against the terrorist organisation of Hamas.”
Speaking in the name of their respective political groups, Belgian MEP Benoît Lutgen (EPP) said De Cross had failed to mention farmers, and did not try to reassure and protect the European population.
Spanish MEP Iratxe García Pérez (S&D) called for the European Pillar of Social Rights to contain social rights such as the minimum wage, fair pay, and good working conditions, and called upon the Belgian presidency to respect the provisional agreement on the Platform Work Directive.
Belgian MEP Hilde Vautmans (Renew) called for a deepening of the EU before the next enlargement. “Decisions should no longer be made by unanimity, and a European army and an EU Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be created,” she stressed.
Belgian MEP Philippe Lamberts (Greens) said that no pause should be taken in the fight against climate change, which should be accelerated instead.
Marc Botenga (The Left, BE) warned against the return of strict budgetary rules, which would lead, he said, to further cuts in an already “catastrophic social situation”.
This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author’s view. The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
Matthew Vella, a freelance journalist at MaltaToday, was formerly executive editor at Malt...
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