Belgium and its partners work together for a less fragile and more resilient future

Today, January 19 2026, Foreign Affairs is therefore proud to host the international conference “Towards a More Resilient Future: The EU’s Engagement in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings” at the Egmont Palace in Brussels. This high-level event brings together EU institutions, Member States, partner countries, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector, to shape a renewed and integrated approach to fragility.

Fragility is one of the defining challenges of our time, with far-reaching consequences for global peace, security, and prosperity. Today, more than two billion people live in fragile contexts, and by 2030, half of the world’s poor will be concentrated in these settings. Fragility fuels conflict, displacement, and humanitarian crises, while undermining governance, stability, and economic development. It also has a significant impact on security and economic stability worldwide, including in Belgium and the EU. Addressing fragility must therefore remain a priority of our foreign policy.

Belgium’s approach to fragility is rooted in solidarity, prevention, and resilience-building. But above all, it requires an integrated approach, combining diplomacy, humanitarian aid, international cooperation, peace, and security. As humanitarian aid alone cannot respond to growing needs, Belgium aims to tackle root causes of fragility, displacement and conflict, while strengthening institutions and empowering local communities in order to foster national ownership. No country can tackle fragility alone. Belgium therefore calls for inclusive partnerships and renewed multilateral cooperation, so that together we can address root causes, strengthen resilience, and deliver sustainable solutions.

We are therefore honoured to welcome distinguished speakers Hadja Lahbib and Jozef Síkela, European Commissioners for respectively Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, and International Partnerships, as well as Alexander De Croo, UNDP Administrator, for whom this will be the first event in Brussels in his new role. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation Maxime Prévot will also take part in the discussions. Their contributions will set the tone for shaping a renewed EU strategy on fragility — highlighting the need for solidarity, commitment, innovation, and coordinated action.

The conference will explore how the EU can mobilise its tools, both in policy and financing, in an innovative way, and work together in a Team Europe approach to enhance its engagement in fragile contexts and stimulate investment for resilience and stability. Belgium will actively support these priorities for an ambitious European Fragility Approach led by the European Commission, ensuring that fragility remains high on the EU’s external action agenda and drives political and financial engagement.

As Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation Maxime Prévot stated: “All together as a team, we aim to build resilience, prevent crises, and safeguard global stability — because addressing fragility is not only a moral imperative, but a strategic necessity for Belgium, Europe and the world.”