The key facts

  • Bart De Wever linked GSK's plans to cut more than 1,200 jobs in Belgium to the need to invest in the US
  • The PM called Belgium's petrochemical industry vulnerable and in need of protection
  • Criticism of China: subsidized, in his words, unfair competition in clinical trials

Statement at the EU summit

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever called for stronger protection of the country's pharmaceutical and petrochemical sectors, arguing that pressure from the US and China threatens European industries despite their competitiveness. The remarks were made on the sidelines of the European Union summit in Brussels on Thursday, Belgian broadcaster VRT reported.

GSK restructuring

De Wever linked the planned restructuring of pharmaceutical giant GSK, which could lead to the elimination of more than 1,200 jobs in Belgium, to the company's need to increase investments in the US. 'When you have an American president who mandates investing in the US and refuses to import vaccines, companies like GlaxoSmithKline face difficulties,' the prime minister said.

Petrochemicals and criticism of China

According to De Wever, Belgium's petrochemical industry is particularly vulnerable and needs protection. The prime minister also criticized Chinese clinical trial practices, calling them unfair competition supported by substantial state subsidies.

Single market without protectionism

De Wever believes the EU should strengthen its internal market while simultaneously developing measures to protect European industry from unfair external competition, while avoiding excessive protectionism. 'Only when we have a single market can we defend it, avoiding the traps of senseless protectionism. We should not copy the foolishness of others,' VRT quoted him as saying.

On the pace of European decisions

The prime minister acknowledged that decision-making in Europe is slower than in major powers, but attributed this to the bloc's democratic structure. 'But Europe is not a dictatorship. It is not a country where one president can decide one thing on Monday, the opposite on Wednesday, and something else on Friday,' he said.