Brussels: In his speech on Sunday, the eve of Belgium's National Day, King Philippe of Belgium urged Europe to demonstrate stronger leadership at a time when international law is under increasing threat. He also described the situation in Gaza as a 'disgrace to humanity' and emphasized the urgent need for Brussels to establish a new regional government.
According to Emirates News Agency, King Philippe expressed concern over the global erosion of international law, stating that it was once a reliable foundation for states but is now being openly questioned. He warned that when international law is disregarded, unpredictability and violence gain momentum, affecting the entire world.
The King highlighted the resurgence of conflicts previously considered relics of the past, and he praised Europe for prioritizing cooperation and openness over confrontation and exclusion. Though he acknowledged this choice requires courage, he noted it has brought prosperity to Europe and positioned it well to address challenges such as digital transformations, defense strengthening, and climate change.
King Philippe called for stronger European leadership to become an alternative to current global power struggles, emphasizing the importance of democracy, justice, and the rule of law. He stressed that upholding these values safeguards human dignity and builds the trust needed in today's world.
The King also shared a poignant story of meeting two fathers, one Palestinian and one Israeli, who each lost a child in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They chose to transform their grief into a message of peace, a testament that profoundly moved him. King Philippe concluded by emphasizing that beyond political considerations, human dignity must always be preserved.