Flemish minister-president addresses diplomatic corps, highlights role of Flanders in EU
The day before Flanders Day, Flemish minister-president Jan Jambon (N-VA) addressed more than 150 diplomats based in Flanders. Jambon stressed the importance of diplomacy in maintaining peace and stability in the face of growing global challenges.
Flanders' commitment to international cooperation was a central theme of the speech. Jambon stressed the need for joint efforts to tackle global issues such as climate change, wars and the pressure on democracy and human rights.
The minister-president also highlighted the role played by Flanders during the Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU. The Region promoted themes such as entrepreneurship, green technologies and digital transformation, "acting as a catalyst for the European Union's agenda".
Flanders' leading position in research and development (R&D) was also mentioned. The region spends 3.65 per cent of its GDP on R&D, Jambon said, "the top position in Europe". The revived Flanders Technology & Innovation (FTI) project was also a great success. The 10-day technology fair, held in six cities, attracted more than 177,000 visitors.
Confederal Belgium
Finally, Jambon turned his attention to Flanders' domestic situation, pointing to the region's low inequality, strong purchasing power and balanced budget as "a nice starting position" for the next government.
But he also called for structural reforms to ensure future prosperity and for clearer responsibilities for Flanders and Wallonia within the Belgian federal model, which is "close to its limits". This is no coincidence, as a confederal Belgium is what the N-VA party campaigned for in the June elections.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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