Bart 
De Wever

I met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss our shared security challenges. NATO remains the cornerstone of our collective defence, and Belgium will continue to do its part: investing in security, in our allies, and in a future where liberty prevails over tyranny.

On this day, Ukraine marks its Day of Liberation, a day that reminds us that freedom is never free. In 1944, Ukraine was liberated from Nazi occupation. Today, the Ukrainian people once again fight for their freedom and for the values that underpin our European democracy.

Belgium stands firmly with Ukraine. Russia’s aggression is not only an assault on a sovereign nation, it is a direct challenge to the international order that guarantees peace, security and prosperity in Europe. Supporting Ukraine is therefore not an act of charity, but of responsibility.

This war has also reminded us of something Europe had forgotten: security cannot be taken for granted. Investing in defence, infrastructure and resilience is not a luxury. It is the price of freedom. For too long, Europe relied on others to guarantee its safety. That time is over. We must strengthen our own capabilities.