The threat of war keeps Belgian politicians and business leaders busy in Davos

“We no longer live in peacetime. We are currently caught between war and peace,” the CEO said

from the port of Antwerp-Zeebrugge Jacques Vandermeiren during a panel discussion at the Belgian base in Davos. He is concerned about “acts of war” at sea, such as destroyed cables. “Maybe we have been naive for too long. We see too much happening to do nothing.”

The issue also concerns other companies with critical infrastructure, such as grid operators Fluxys and Elia, and politicians also feel that something must be done. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Open VLD) believes that in addition to government investments, private investments should also be increased. Guidelines on ethical investing can therefore be adjusted somewhat.

Flemish Prime Minister Matthias Diependaele (N-VA) pointed out that the historic

resistance to investments in weapons in Flanders is melting away. “We should therefore not start making bombs and grenades, but we can consider how we can work innovatively in defense.”

On another level, there is uncertainty surrounding the policy of American President Donald Trump, as became clear in Davos. The American president wants to protect American industry with import duties. Politicians weigh their words when it comes to this, but it is often heard that Europe can strengthen itself.

“We must not talk ourselves into the ground”

Diependaele is on that line. “I feel a lot of fighting spirit. When you talk to Western business leaders, you don’t hear anyone writing off Europe completely. We shouldn’t talk ourselves into the ground. We can compete,” he says.

De Croo beats and anoints. If Trump claims Greenland, the EU must put an end to it. But when he complains about an imbalance in the trade balance, Trump has a point, according to the prime minister. If the Americans were to start a trade conflict, there are other serious trading partners in the world, he noted.