Because of the differences among political parties that made it to parliament after the June elections in Belgium, the process of forming a coalition has been delayed. In connection with this political crisis the international mass media have begun saying that Belgium is threatened by a break-up. Is this true? Why is the Belgian model of three functioning linguistic communities still an example for many European countries? Is it possible to apply the Belgian linguistic experience to Ukraine? These and other questions are raised in The Day ’s exclusive interview with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium to Ukraine Marc VINCK.
BELGIUM WILL NOT SPLIT UP
More than three months have passed since the elections in your country. A government has not been formed yet, and the international mass media are suggesting that Belgium may break up. Are there any grounds for such a scenario?
“Belgium will not break up! This is not on the agenda. We have had lengthy coalition discussions in the past. Belgium is a complex country. We have three regions and three linguistic communities, different economic dynamics. We also have a proportional election system, and all this means that it takes time in Belgium to constitute a government. You also have to take into account that this time around political parties went to the elections with very ambitious agendas. To create a government, you have to make compromises.
“It’s not just in Belgium that forming a coalition takes time. Look at the recent coalition talks in the Netherlands and Austria, where it took time before the democratic parties were able to finalize a coalition agreement.”
This situation has never occurred in Belgium before. Is it a threat to the unity of your country?
“This is really not a unique situation. It has always been a lengthy process in Belgium. Again, Belgium has a federal structure and a complex cultural and socioeconomic situation. Politicians have to deal with the dynamics in different regions and communities. Given that situation, you can’t expect a quick fix. When you have parties that sometimes are very strong in only one region, coalition discussions are difficult and need time. This is normal for a country that consists of different regions and communities with different languages, where you have to make sure that the rights of all inhabitants are equally protected. But rest assured that the politicians will wrap up the coalition talks and Belgium will soon have a government.”
THE BELGIAN MODEL: A SUCCESS STORY
Some commentators say that this year’s elections revealed a gap between the politicians and the people. Is this true?
“If the coexistence of different entities and linguistic communities is a success in Belgium, it is because all the constitutional reforms we have carried out in the past have been implemented in a peaceful, non-violent democratic way without creating a gap. Every linguistic community has been able to find its own advantages in the new constitutional set-up. The Belgian model is in this sense a success because of its capacity to identify the best institutional framework. This doesn’t mean that you can export it.
Do you think that the roots of this political crisis lie in migration and Belgians’ fears of the influx of foreigners, which were exploited by some politicians?
“Migration is indeed an issue, like in many countries, and it was discussed during the coalition talks. The parties agreed on different measures, such as amending Belgian’s nationality law, changing the conditions to obtain Belgian citizenship. Again, this was a compromise solution.”
So, you are certain that the country will not split up and a consensus will be reached by November, as the minister of finance said?
“You may be sure that there will be no split. We can’t prejudge the timing, but I’m sure that we will soon have a new government. Looking at the progress made in the last weeks, it is expected that mid- November is the most realistic timing.”
BELGIANS ARE BUILDING BRIDGES
It is known that the communities in your country have strong authority. Does this create a problem for the federal government and your country’s unity?
“The Constitution of Belgium anticipates possible problems and conflicts linked with the competencies of regions and communities. Some problems call for changes to the constitution or for new legal work. It is part of the coalition talks to work out solutions that can build on a majority in each part of the country and that precisely contribute to foster unity.”
So the situation in your country will not create a precedent for other European countries with similar linguistic and cultural problems?
“Every country has its own problems and has to work out its own constitutional framework.”
Some say that Belgium is the model of the European Union.
“We have some experience in working out good compromise solutions. In the European Union, where consensus is still largely the rule, Belgians are often bridge builders.”
So no events are taking place in Belgium that will have an impact on the status of Brussels as the capital of EU?
“Again, the scenario of splitting up is irrelevant. It’s not on the agenda.”
WE HAVE FOUND OUR OWN WAY OF SOLVING THE LANGUAGE PROBLEM
There are three official languages in your country. Does this create problems for officials or citizens?
“We have four linguistic regions: the Dutch language region, the French language region, the German language region, and the bilingual region in the capital of Brussels. The use of a language in official contacts (between the public and the administration) is governed by the constitution. In relations with citizens, authorities will use the language of the linguistic region.”
What about the official language? Should Belgians know all three languages?
“You don’t have to learn three languages. You can speak your own language. Depending on the linguistic region you live in, the authorities will speak with you in the language of the region, or in Dutch or French if you are living in Brussels, the bilingual part of Belgium.”
Do you think that Belgium can serve for Ukraine as a model for resolving its linguistic problems?
“Ukraine should find its own solutions. It is up to Ukrainians to decide how they deal with the use of languages. We have a long-standing experience of being a trilingual country. We found our own way of dealing with linguistic issues. Ukraine will also find its own way.”
A GRAND COALITION AND THE ROLE OF THE OPPOSITION
What do you think about the creation of a grand coalition in Ukraine, considering Europe’s experience, and about this type of coalition in general?
“I learned that in politics you never say ‘never’. A country with a strong democratic culture, where the political dialogue between political parties is well-established, can realize efficient and large consultations, and is able to find solutions for complex political problems. Quick-fix or ‘winners-take-all’ solutions are often unable to give enough stability and are not the right way for putting in place strong reforms and sustained solutions.
“In Belgium we have learned that you can’t have good negotiated solutions without taking the time to reach them. You have to give time to time, so to speak. The wisdom of the institutional system has contributed to consolidating Belgium as a strong democratic and prosperous country, where people are living together and express the wish to continue living together.”
What do you think about the role of the opposition in the Ukrainian parliament? Would it be beneficial for Ukraine to have a strong opposition?
“It’s always good when the opposition can play a full role in good dialogue with the government. It is good to have a strong opposition when you have a government that is not serving the interests of the country. Of course, it is beneficial for political stability to have a strong majority when you have to carry out huge reforms and need strong political support to realize ambitious plans.”
POTENTIAL FOR COOPERATION IN ALL SPHERES
Mr. Ambassador, how do you assess Ukrainian-Belgium relations? Is your country successful in realizing its interests in Ukraine?
“We are celebrating 15 years of diplomatic presence in Ukraine, and we are making a positive evaluation of the potential for developing strong and close relations. There is a real wish of my government to strengthen cooperation in all areas. We are very happy with the growth of our economic cooperation and are planning the installation of a joint commission next year. In the past year we had an increase of our trade by more than 30 percent. We see with satisfaction that our investors are pleased with their returns. We understand that there is potential in all spheres also for the promotion of cultural exchanges, to develop new partnerships. We are satisfied with the progress achieved on the international agenda. Steps towards WTO membership are giving a perspective to negotiate a free trade agreement with European Union. All these dynamics are extremely interesting and create new opportunities. At this very moment we have a trade mission visiting your country to identify new projects in different areas, such as transport, energy, real estate, etc.”
So there are no problems with the investment climate in Ukraine?
“It is a work in progress. Of course, we are confronted with a variety of problems, and there is a lot of work to be done by the Ukrainian side to promote a better investment climate and business environment, to combat corruption. Realizing an investment project still takes too much time, too much red tape. But the dialogue on what has to be done is good.”
ON EUROINTEGRATION AND PROSPECTS
What do you think about Ukraine’s Eurointegration efforts?
“The issue of Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU is certainly something that we are following very carefully. As you know, in Europe we are going through the process of finalizing the absorption of new members after the recent enlargement (in 2004). This is a process that has taken a lot of our energy and which we also have to carry out with the support of our population. The Union also needs to remain efficient and has to adapt in order to remain effective. We are progressing with your country in developing a strong neighbourhood policy and are negotiating an enhanced agreement without anticipating the final outcome.”
The president and the prime minister of Ukraine are demanding the inclusion of the EU membership prospect into the new enhanced agreement. Does your country support such an inclusion?
“This is an issue to discuss within the framework of the negotiations of an enhanced agreement. This final discussion will take place probably in the last stage of the negotiations. At that moment we will see where we are.”
ON NATO AND NEUTRALITY
Your country had neutral status yet was invaded twice by Germany. In Ukraine there is vigorous debate about NATO membership, and some politicians are in favour of neutrality. What do you think about neutrality in today’s world?
“Belgium followed a neutrality policy before World War I and between the two World Wars and was still invaded twice.
“When you look at the conflicts that have occurred in the last 150 years, you will see that democratic countries never make war against democratic countries. What I want to stress is the importance of promoting regional democracy as an element of an integrated security policy. Ukraine has made strong progress in developing its democracy. Having strong democratic neighbours contributes to regional stability and is in the interest of promoting stability in your region.”
Your country is the host nation of the NATO headquarters. In recent months Russia has been saying that the enlargement of NATO is a threat to it. Does NATO enlargement pose any threat to Russia?
“Every country has its own views and develops its own security policy. What I want to stress is the fact that the consecutive waves of enlargement of NATO, a collective security organization, had a positive impact on the promotion of regional democracy and at the same time on regional security. NATO partnerships and action plans are linked with the promotion of a domestic democratic agenda.”
UKRAINIANS HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE WELL-INFORMED
How do you explain the fact that the leading party in Ukraine, the Party of Regions, is against developing close relations with NATO and refusing to switch to the Membership Action Plan? Does this mean that such politicians are afraid of transparency and democratic control, which are promoted by NATO?
“What is important is that the dialogue about security issues, about democracy is intensified. And that people through that dialogue start viewing organizations like NATO in another way. We are happy that your government took steps to start a public information campaign about NATO. It is up to Ukrainians to decide about their future relations with NATO. But I think that Ukrainians have the right to be perfectly informed about this organization. We are ready to participate in information efforts when requested.”
