Belgian premier warns Europe falling behind US, China in innovation

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever warned on Monday that Europe has become an "old continent" falling behind the United States and China in innovation while struggling to guarantee its own defense. "All of Europe is in difficulty, the world is changing very quickly, and Europe has become an old continent. The Chinese and Americans are surpassing us; we are no longer at the forefront in innovation and productivity, so we are taking hits from all sides," De Wever told Bel RTL. He noted that Europeans are aware of the challenges and prepared for difficult measures.

"We are not capable of taking care of our own defense; we are humiliated all the time," he added. De Wever told the broadcaster that people recognize the need for action: "So people know very well that we need to get moving, and certainly in Belgium, we are in serious trouble."

Budget cuts ahead

De Wever's remarks came as Belgium's federal government prepares to find around €10 billion ($11.7 billion) in savings by 2029. He acknowledged that the measures would affect the entire population, telling Bel RTL: "I am not sleeping well, and I think about it a lot." He added: "We are in a situation where everyone will feel the consequences of what we do, no matter how we do it."

The Belgian premier cautioned against hopes that austerity could target only the wealthy. "If we seek revenue, it will be from the rich. And someone who is rich is always richer than you. You are never rich; it's someone else, richer than you, who has to pay the bills," he said. "Everyone thinks: if we make savings, it will be at my neighbour's expense, not mine."