Maxime Prévot, vice-eersteminister en minister van Buitenlandse Zaken, Europese Zaken en Ontwikkelingssamenwerking

On April 2, the United States announced new import tariffs of 20% on almost all European products, and even higher rates on specific sectors to be determined. This will affect not only Belgian companies, but also our citizens in one way or another, particularly due to a decrease in economic growth. Belgium's growth could be affected, and this at a time when the United States itself is asking us to increase our defense investment spending.

The Belgian government is alarmed that the United States is putting pressure on European companies to stop their diversity, equality and inclusion programmes. Belgian companies have also received such letters.

Today, Belgium was informed of Rwanda’s decision to sever diplomatic relations with Belgium and to declare Belgian diplomats in Kigali persona non grata.