On the eve of Flanders Day, Flemish Minister-President Jan Jambon (N-VA) addressed over 150 diplomats stationed in Flanders, underscoring the crucial role of
diplomacy in preserving peace and stability amid escalating global challenges.
Jambon emphasized Flanders' dedication to international cooperation, stressing the need for collaborative efforts to address global issues such as climate change, conflicts, and pressures on democracy and human rights.
He also highlighted Flanders' significant contribution during Belgium's presidency of the Council of the EU. The region championed themes like entrepreneurship, green technologies, and digital transformation, positioning itself as a "catalyst for the European Union's agenda."
Flanders' leadership in research and development (R&D) was another key point in Jambon's speech. The region allocates 3.65% of its GDP to R&D, the highest in Europe. He also celebrated the success of the revived Flanders Technology & Innovation (FTI) project, a 10-day technology fair held in six cities that attracted over 177,000 visitors.
Domestic Focus and Future Reforms
Jambon also addressed Flanders' domestic situation, citing the region's low inequality, strong purchasing power, and balanced budget as a solid foundation for the next government. However, he called for structural reforms to ensure future prosperity and clearer delineation of responsibilities for Flanders and Wallonia within Belgium's federal model, which he described as "close to its limits."
This aligns with the N-VA party's campaign for a confederal Belgium in the recent June elections. Photo by Geert Renckens, Wikimedia commons.