Photo by Li-An Lim on Unsplash
The King of Belgium has highlighted Europe’s role as a “geo-ecological actor”, and called for the defence of democracy in the face of autocratic trends.
In his address to the European Parliament on Wednesday, King Philippe stressed that in recent years, Europe has been marked by crises, and that in “these times of war, uncertainty and societal unrest, Europe and the world are in dire need of hope”.
Although the EU has been united in its support for Ukraine and in its fight against COVID-19, he stressed to MEPs the need for a less fragmented EU.
He argued the EU should work together on new technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and rare earth minerals, since it is lagging behind on invention and innovation.
“The solution will involve advocating for open markets and ensuring a level playing field for our imports,” he told MEPs in Strasbourg.
He also called for unity in the fight against climate change, stating that more still has to be done for the EU to reach its 2030 and 2050 climate targets.
“Climate policy also helps us achieve that other great ambition: the strategic independence of the EU,” he said, adding that renewable energy will make the EU less dependent on imported energy.
In his address King Philippe also referred to the importance of the European Pillar of Social Rights and of the EU’s social dimension with its “robust social justice mechanisms”.
He underlined their importance in having “young people, the citizens of tomorrow, keep their faith in Europe”, who are often critical towards the European way of life and political world.
He shared his concerns about the growing autocratic trend around the world and the loss of trust in political institutions. King Philippe advocated the need to “involve citizens more closely in democratic processes” to ensure that the “defence of democracy within the Union is alive and well”.
