Bart 
De Wever

Today I met with Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Chancellery in Berlin. Our discussions confirmed the close partnership between Belgium and Germany — as neighbours, partners in the EU, and allies in NATO.

Key topics we addressed:

• Migration & internal market: Belgium and Germany share the view that Europe must regain control of its borders — deciding who enters, while at the same time removing the internal barriers that hold back our single market. Combining firm migration management with a stronger economy will make Europe more resilient and future-proof.

• Ports & crime prevention: Antwerp, Rotterdam and Hamburg face common challenges as major gateways into Europe. We are stepping up cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime. This is a matter of security for our citizens and credibility for Europe’s open economy.

• Trade & industry: We agreed that the EU must reduce bureaucracy and strengthen competitiveness. Swift ratification of the Mercosur agreement is one step. Another is safeguarding Europe’s industrial fabric, including energy-intensive sectors like petrochemicals, where Antwerp hosts the EU’s second largest cluster.

• Security & Europe’s neighbourhood: Both countries share responsibility for a free and safe Europe. We discussed Ukraine and Russia, the need for credible security guarantees, and the reality that the peace process may take time. On the Middle East, we agreed on the urgency of protecting civilians, releasing hostages, and working towards a two-state solution under the right conditions.

By aligning closely on these dossiers, we contribute to European solutions that are in the interest of our citizens.