Health minister accuses US of ‘ideological attack’ amid ambassador row
Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke has accused the US government of waging an “ideological attack on our European social model, including our healthcare”. He made the remarks on Tuesday during a press conference in Paris in response to comments made by the US ambassador to Belgium, Bill White.
Vandenbroucke is in Paris for a conference on European healthcare policy. He addressed repeated criticism by US president Donald Trump, who claims that Europe contributes too little to the research and development of medicines while the continent benefits from lower prices.
He acknowledged that Americans spend more on research and development, but according to him, this is mainly because private intermediaries are reaping high margins. He said that the European Union must take a stronger stand against the US, for example, when Trump announces new import tariffs against the EU or an individual member state.
"The European Union is a protective shield against bilateral intimidation. We should make this much clearer to our citizens"
"The European Union is a protective shield against bilateral intimidation," Vandenbroucke said. "We should make this much clearer to our citizens."
The remarks come a day after ambassador White criticised Vandenbroucke and accused Belgium of antisemitism over the prosecution of three Jewish ritual circumcisers in Antwerp.
In a lengthy post on X, White referred to what he called the “anti semitic persecution” of the three mohels and urged the Belgian government to intervene. In a later response to Foreign Affairs minister Maxime Prévot, he described the case as “ABSOLUTELY an issue of antisemitism”.
“You either have to make a change to the procedural accreditation or you have to call prosecution of these three beautiful religiously qualified and wonderful men anti-semeitc [sic],” White wrote.
He described the prosecution as “selective”, adding: “There are thousands of safe qualified mohel procedures performed in Belgium regularly. So, why this time, why these 3 mohels, why in Antwerp the great Diaspora of beautiful Jewish families here in Belgium, and why this case now. It begs the question”
White said he had met Vandenbroucke to discuss the matter, claiming the minister “doesn't like my wonderful president”. According to the ambassador, Vandenbroucke preferred to await the outcome of the judicial investigation, which White considers “antisemitic”. He called on Belgium to “make a legal provision to allow Jewish religious MOHELS to perform their duties here in Belgium” and described Vandenbroucke as “very rude”.
The ambassador argued that it was his duty to seek changes to the relevant procedures. “Changing this law is something EVERY Jewish person in Belgium is screaming for (thousands have reached me today) and it’s a right which your Jewish Belgium citizens, their families and their many strong supporters deserve immediately."
Prévot summons ambassador
Prévot of Les Engagés has since summoned White for a meeting, describing his statements as “unacceptable”.
“Any suggestion that Belgium is antisemitic is false, offensive, and unacceptable,” Prévot said. He stressed that “the fight against antisemitism, and all forms of hatred and discrimination, is an absolute priority for our country”.
Belgian law permits ritual circumcision “when performed by a qualified physician under strict health and safety standards”, he said. “The specific case referenced is subject to a judicial investigation. I refrain from commenting on ongoing proceedings.”
Accusing Belgium of antisemitism amounts to “dangerous disinformation”, Prévot said. “AnAn ambassador accredited to Belgium has a responsibility to respect our institutions, our elected representatives, and the independence of our judicial system. Personal attacks against a Belgian minister and interference in judicial matters violate basic diplomatic norms.”
He said Belgium was open to dialogue, but "interference in our democratic institutions and unfounded accusations cross a line that cannot be crossed. Respect for sovereignty works both ways”.
Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke at a conference on European healthcare policy in Paris, 17 February 2026 © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT TOUSSAINT
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