Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés) reaffirmed his support for Ukraine’s path to EU membership during a visit to the Ukrainian port city of Odessa on Tuesday, alongside his Benelux partners. “Ukraine’s future lies in NATO,” the Benelux countries stated in a joint press release.
The visit took place within the Benelux framework, but without Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp, who resigned on Friday over the Dutch position on Gaza. The delegation had visited Moldova on Monday.
Through these visits, the EU countries aim to send a clear message to both Moldova and Ukraine that they have a place in Europe’s future.
In Odessa, Prévot and his Benelux colleagues met with Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha and the governor of the Odessa military region, Oleh Kiper. As US president Donald Trump seeks to revive the peace process, a joint press release reiterated that “Ukraine has the inherent right to choose its own future, based on the UN Charter and international law.”
EU and NATO membership reaffirmed
“The Benelux countries reaffirm their commitment to supporting Ukraine on its path to EU membership,” the release continued. “The Benelux countries also reaffirm that Ukraine’s future lies in NATO and that they will continue to guide the country on its irreversible path toward full European-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership.”
Odessa, home to the Ukrainian navy and a hub for grain exports, has been heavily impacted by Russian missile and drone attacks. The Benelux delegation also visited energy infrastructure in Ukraine’s third-largest city, which is crucial for supplying millions of Ukrainians.
Cultural heritage and peace process warnings
After the meeting with Minister Sybiha, Prévot condemned the deliberate destruction of cultural treasures in Odessa, whose historic centre is a World Heritage Site. He emphasised that no peace deal should be concluded behind Ukraine’s back, nor should borders be redrawn by force.
Belgian support
“Odessa is a symbol of vulnerability and resilience,” Prévot added in a press release. “Here we reaffirm our support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, for the protection of its cultural soul, and for the millions of people worldwide who depend on the grain exported from this city.”
Prévot did not announce any new Belgian contributions to Ukraine but noted that Belgium is committed to long-term military support, providing 1 billion euros annually until 2029. Belgium is also investing in humanitarian aid and reconstruction.
© PHOTO VIACHESLAV ONYSHCHENKO / SOPA IMAGES
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