Flanders needs to strengthen and deepen its ties with Eastern European countries amid growing uncertainty at Europe's eastern borders, according to a resolution passed on Wednesday by the Flemish Parliament’s three majority parties.
The Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA), Vooruit and Christem Democratisch en Vlaams (CD&V) parties are urging the government to focus its Eastern strategy not only on Ukraine but also on the Baltic States, the Western Balkans, Poland, Czechia, and Romania.
They also stress the need to continue supporting democratic movements in Belarus.
The cost of Ukraine’s reconstruction is already estimated at more than €500 billion. According to Gijs Degrande of the N-VA, this presents opportunities for Flemish businesses.
“By actively involving Flemish companies in this reconstruction process, Flanders creates economic opportunities and jobs. We are specifically thinking of the construction sector,” he said.
The majority parties also believe Flanders should deepen diplomatic ties with other Eastern European partners. The diplomatic post in Warsaw, for example, could be further expanded, they suggested.
Wednesday’s text was co-initiated by Kelly Van Tendeloo(Vooruit) and Nicole de Moor (CD&V).
