Elections 2024: Who should I vote for if I want to see a stronger EU?
In the run-up to the June elections, Belgium's political parties are staking out their positions on key issues. Today we look at where they stand on the European Union.
With the European institutions based in its capital, Belgium has a pro-EU reputation. But as in other countries, its political parties are divided over whether the EU should be strengthened or scaled back.
Belgium has historically been at the forefront of modern European integration, but the country has always known political forces that are less in favour of the European project, or even outright oppose it.
Ardent supporters
Belgium's liberal parties have traditionally been ardent supporters of a stronger EU. In its election manifesto, the French-speaking MR says it firmly believes in the European project, and the Flemish party Open VLD describes itself as "the most pro-European party" in Belgium. For the Open VLD, a strong European industry is essential and should be encouraged rather than regulated.
"We are proud of the European project and will continue to defend it against populist criticism"
"We are proud of the European project and will continue to actively support it and defend it against populist criticism," the CD&V party writes in its manifesto. For the Flemish Christian democrats, the EU is uniquely suited to tackle the major challenges of our time, such as fighting climate change and achieving strategic autonomy.
Room for improvement
Green parties see the EU as a lever for an ambitious climate policy, but they are also critical. The Flemish party Groen wants to improve Europe's democratic functioning by giving citizens more control, say and insight into decision-making.
The Francophone socialist party PS calls for the construction of a sovereign Europe in which member states, and citizens call the shots. It advocates "a resolutely forward-looking European project", including consolidating democratic governance and building a robust economy.
"We opt for a strong Flanders in a European Union that is strong where necessary"
For the N-VA, the EU is "the lever par excellence" for maintaining and increasing prosperity, but the Flemish nationalist party is also sceptical. "We opt for a strong Flanders in a European Union that is strong where necessary," the party writes, adding that it is "not naive" and will protect regional interests and values from "undue interference" if necessary.
Complete overhaul
The far-right party Vlaams Belang, on the other hand, wants to reform the EU from the ground up. It wants to replace the "European superstate that shows no respect for democracy or public opinion" with "a confederal Europe of free nations." According to the party, the EU costs Flanders far more money than it brings in.
The far-left PVDA-PTB party also wants a "radically different Europe" and sees the current EU "as a capitalist construction tailored to the wishes of big multinationals". The party wants a Europe based on solidarity, participation and sustainability, with a central role for the public sector.
In the run-up to the elections for the federal, regional and European parliaments on 9 June, Belga English explains how the parties in Belgium want to address today’s challenges. Each day we put the spotlight on one issue. |
© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
Related news
