US EditionPrime Minister De Wever: ‘People Are Acting as Though I Want to Curry Favour with Russia, Which Is Definitely Not the Case’
De Wever's remarks about post-war engagement with Russia, especially on energy, have sparked criticism from European leaders and Belgian coalition partners.
- On March 14, Belgian Prime Minister Wever argued that Europe must eventually normalize relations with Russia and resume energy trade after the war in Ukraine concludes.
- Wever stated that since military and economic pressure on Vladimir Putin remains insufficient without support from the EU, Europe should seek a 'vigilant modus vivendi' to manage challenges.
- European officials and Belgian coalition partners labeled Wever 'naïve' or a 'pro-Russian asset,' while European Energy Commissioner Dan insisted Europe reject all Russian fossil fuels.
- These rebuttals reflect internal tensions within the Belgian Government, as political opponents attacked Wever for alleged defeatism and an intent to "cosy up" with Putin.
- Responding to the controversy, Wever stressed normalization could only occur following an acceptable peace deal amid debates over utilizing frozen Russian assets held by Euroclear.
13 Articles
13 Articles
In an interview in L-Echo, the Prime Minister said about the war in Ukraine, that it is necessary to rearm and remilitarize the border. And at the same time, we must normalize relations with Russia, regain access to cheap energy. It is common sense. It is normalizing relations: the choice of these words is not unanimous. ...
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever wants the EU to “normalize relations” with Russia in order to gain “access to cheap energy.” “Privately, European leaders agree with me, but no one dares to say it out loud,” he tells the newspaper L'Echo.
‘Sometimes a shitstorm comes crashing down on you.’ Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA) accepts the criticism of his statement regarding future ties with Russia...
Prime Minister De Wever: ‘People are acting as though I want to curry favour with Russia, which is definitely not the case’
‘If a peace treaty acceptable for Ukraine and Europe can be agreed, we should be able to re-establish economic relations with Russia. I think that is common sense.’ This is how Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever (Flemish nationalist N-VA) has responded to the criticism levelled at his comments on Russia. ‘People have blown my words out of proportion as if I now want to make up with Russia, but that is definitely not the case.’
The controversial suggestion of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, according to which the EU should negotiate with Russia, raises its own coalition government, reports POLITICAL.
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- 34% of the sources lean Left, 33% of the sources are Center, 33% of the sources lean Right
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