Belgian Political Leader Pushes for Deeper Benelux Integration, Expresses Concerns Over Welfare State
Brussels – Bart De Wever, the prominent Flemish politician and president of the N-VA party, is advocating for a significantly closer integration of the Benelux countries – Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg – as a means of bolstering economic and logistical strength within Europe. He also voiced concerns about the sustainability of the current welfare state model, suggesting a need for fundamental reform.
De Wever’s push for Benelux integration extends beyond traditional cooperation, encompassing proposals for closer collaboration in areas such as the labor market, education, port operations (specifically Antwerp and Rotterdam), and defense. He believes this deepened partnership could create a powerful economic and logistical hub within Europe, potentially counterbalancing the influence of France within the European Union.
“The path to recovery is still long, we must continue our efforts,” De Wever stated on Saturday, according to reporting by La Libre Belgique, referencing the need for continued fiscal responsibility. He cited the limitation of unemployment benefits and pension reform as examples of positive steps, but emphasized that much work remains to be done.
The call for greater Benelux cooperation was articulated during the launch of De Wever’s new book, “Over Welvaart” (“On Prosperity”), in Affligem. He engaged in discussions with Vincent Karremans, the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs in the current caretaker government, signaling a willingness to engage with Dutch counterparts on these proposals.
De Wever’s international profile has risen in recent months, with a focus on issues such as the freezing of Russian assets held by Euroclear and a vocal critique of U.S. President Donald Trump. He has positioned himself as a strong voice on the European stage, advocating for a more assertive and integrated approach to economic and security challenges.
Despite navigating a complex political landscape within Belgium, De Wever’s personal popularity appears to remain robust, even in the French-speaking Wallonia region. He acknowledged past skepticism towards him, stating, “There was mistrust towards me, I understand, but now people are realizing that I do not make a difference between Flemish and Walloons and that I serve the interests of all,” according to La Libre Belgique.
The timing of De Wever’s proposals coincides with ongoing challenges facing the Belgian government, including a stalled budget process and the need to revise a VAT reform that was recently struck down by the Council of State. Parliament has been operating under a system of “provisional twelfths” since 2017, limiting its financial flexibility. As Politico reported in August 2020, this lack of a full budget hampers the government’s ability to address pressing societal issues.
Looking ahead, De Wever plans to host a summit of European industrial leaders and policymakers in Antwerp next week, where he intends to further advocate for greater European integration, a stronger European defense industry, and free trade agreements with nations committed to multilateralism. The event, to be held at Alden Biesen, is seen as a key opportunity to advance his vision for a more unified and competitive Europe.
De Wever also expressed a stark assessment of the current state of the welfare state, stating This proves “on the verge of asphyxiation” and requires a fundamental reinvention. This sentiment underscores the urgency he feels in addressing long-term economic challenges facing Belgium and Europe.
