"EU Must Normalize Relations with Russia" Remarks by Belgian Prime Minister Spark Uproar

[Financial News]


Bart De Wever, prime minister and leader of the right-wing nationalist New Flemish Alliance (N-VA), has called for normalizing relations between the European Union (EU) and Russia, triggering a political storm. He argued that ties should be restored so Europe can once again import Russia's cheap energy.
His remarks, which touched a taboo, have caused such an uproar that even the foreign minister in De Wever's own cabinet has pushed back, leaving the EU in turmoil.
According to the Financial Times (FT) on the 16th local time, De Wever said in a weekend edition interview with leading Belgian business daily L'Echo, "We must normalize relations with Russia to regain access to cheap energy." He stressed that Europe must protect its own interests without being easily manipulated by Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, and said it was time to end the conflict between Russia and the EU.
De Wever said, "This is common sense."
He particularly argued that sending weapons to Ukraine to pressure President Putin, or trying to strangle the Russian economy independently without the United States, is unrealistic, and that negotiations are the only viable solution.
He added that when President Donald Trump took office last year, the United States chose negotiations with Russia rather than confrontation.
De Wever also claimed that, although they cannot say so publicly, other EU leaders privately agree with his views.
His comments came as international oil prices surged 40% in just two weeks following the outbreak of war involving the Islamic Republic of Iran on the 28th of last month.
However, many within the EU, who want to contain Russia's westward expansion because a collapse of Ukraine would also endanger Europe, are strongly criticizing De Wever's remarks.
Criticism has also emerged within the Belgian coalition government. Maxime Prévot, foreign minister from the centrist-right party Les Engagés, argued that dialogue and normalization must be distinguished. He criticized the prime minister, saying that talking about normalization while Russia is making maximal demands on Ukraine and Europe sends a signal of weakness.
European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen likewise stated that past mistakes must not be repeated, and firmly declared that the EU will not import a single drop of energy from Russia in the future.
As the controversy grew, De Wever stepped back.
He explained that his comments were premised on the end of the war, and said that as long as Russia continues to attack Ukraine, there can be no discussion of normalization.

dympna@fnnews.com Song Kyung-jae Reporter