Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Belgian PM Warns Europe Trails US and China
Belgium’s prime minister says Europe is having a hard time keeping up with the United States and China.
He says Europe is not leading as much as before in new ideas and productivity.
He also says European countries cannot fully manage their own defence.
Belgium is preparing to save about €10 billion by 2029.
The prime minister warned that many people will feel the effects of these decisions.
He said he is worried about making the budget choices.
He believes people understand that action is needed.
He also said the government cannot assume that only rich people will pay for solving the problems.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said Europe is falling behind the United States and China in innovation and productivity.
De Wever said Europe is struggling to take responsibility for its own defence and is being repeatedly humiliated.
His comments came as Belgium prepares a budget-cutting drive seeking about €10 billion in savings by 2029.
He warned that the measures would affect people across Belgium, not just a small part of society.
De Wever rejected relying solely on wealthy taxpayers to increase government revenue, saying difficult choices were unavoidable.
- Who
- Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and the Belgian federal government.
- What
- De Wever warned that Europe is falling behind the United States and China and discussed Belgium’s planned budget cuts.
- When
- Monday; the savings target extends through 2029.
- Where
- Belgium and Europe.
- Why
- De Wever said Europe is struggling with innovation, productivity and defence, while Belgium faces serious budget pressures.
- Speaker
- Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever
- Innovation and productivity
- De Wever said China and the United States are surpassing Europe.
- Defence
- He said Europe is not capable of taking care of its own defence.
- Belgian savings target
- Around €10 billion by 2029.
- Expected impact
- People across Belgium are expected to feel the consequences of the measures.
- Revenue position
- De Wever warned against assuming that higher revenue can come simply from wealthy taxpayers.