Belgium sets out new humanitarian strategy

Belgium has unveiled a new humanitarian strategy aimed at reshaping how it gives aid in a world marked by long-running conflicts, climate disasters and growing geopolitical tensions.

Foreign Affairs minister Maxime Prevot said the previous plan, dating from 2014, no longer reflected today’s reality. “Crises are no longer the exception. They are the norm”, he said.

Despite sharp cuts to the wider development budget, Prevot stressed that funding for humanitarian aid will be protected. Belgium plans to spend €170 million on humanitarian action in 2026, with 70 per cent kept flexible so it can respond quickly to new emergencies, mainly through international and local partners.

The minister also said Belgium will play a more active role through “humanitarian diplomacy”, defending access to conflict zones, the protection of civilians and aid workers, and respect for international law.

Belgium will continue to focus on regions facing prolonged crises, including the Sahel, the Great Lakes region in Africa, Syria and the Palestinian territories, as well as areas suffering from so-called “forgotten crises”.

Prevot added that the United Nations remains central to the global aid system, but said agencies must become faster and more effective. Belgium, he said, supports a form of multilateral cooperation that “reforms and evolves”.

^{© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}