At a time when France and its European partners are withdrawing their military forces from Mali, Alexander De Croo insists on the importance of dialogue: "It would be a mistake to completely sever all ties. Even if we don't agree, we have to keep talking. The moment we stop talking to each other, we completely distance ourselves and we no longer have any influence."

The Belgian Prime Minister stresses that cooperation and development must be given priority to help the countries of origin to better manage the migration issue.

"We must not reduce our relationship with Africa solely to this agenda. Alongside this, there is an economic agenda which is much more important and which, in turn, can help us a lot in this migration discussion."

On the subject of vaccines against Covid-19 and the lifting of patents, Alexander De Croo insists on the role of Europe, a pioneer in deliveries for the African continent.

"Honestly, if we look at all the announcements that have been made in the world and the reality, the champions of the export of donations are the Europeans."

The Head of Government welcomes the restitution of works of art by the former colonial powers.

Belgium is a pioneer in this field and has just concluded a restitution agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We are talking about tens of thousands of works of art… It is normal for African countries to have access to their past and their past is not in Brussels or Paris, but at home.”

In the midst of the Ukrainian crisis, he advocates the unity of Europeans within NATO because, according to him, the Russian strategy is to try to divide the Western countries.

"It's clear that the relationship between Europe and Russia, unfortunately, ultimately boils down to this kind of interaction and a sanctions relationship. And I think that's a shame, but for now it's 'is necessary."

For Alexander De Croo, you have to "keep your cool, try to de-escalate a situation that has never been seen since the end of the Cold War".

Finally, the Belgian Prime Minister defends the basis of European values ​​in the face of attacks on the rule of law in Hungary and Poland sanctioned by the EU.

"I am rather satisfied with this judgment of the European Court, because Europe is not just an economic union, it is also a union of values."

To give your opinion on Europe's place in the world, go to the platform of the Conference on the Future of Europe.

Program prepared by Luke Brown, Isabelle Romero, Sophie Samaille, Yi Song and Perrine Desplats.

The summary of the

France 24 week invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you!

Download the France 24 app

google-play-badge_EN