Strategic re-evaluation

An internal strategy paper drafted by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded that the United States under President Donald Trump is no longer a dependable ally. Completed on 27 October 2025 by the ministry's Americas and Caribbean unit, the document calls for a thorough re-evaluation of transatlantic relations between the European Union, Belgium, and Washington. Belgian diplomats prepared the text after the Trump administration issued tariff threats against the European Union, suggested annexing Greenland, and promoted European far-right political parties. The assessment warns that prevailing political dynamics in Washington threaten vital Belgian and European interests. Belgian diplomats formulated the strategy to calibrate bilateral relations while preventing Brussels from being perceived as openly hostile.

“It is now clear that the American partner is no longer the ally it was in the past.”

Outreach across American political tiers

The strategy paper notes that cooperation with the federal government in Washington remains indispensable, but directs Belgian officials to broaden engagements beyond the White House. Belgian diplomats are instructed to expand ties with Republican and Democratic state governors, leaders of large American cities, and the Democratic opposition in Congress. The directive also advises officials to identify emerging generations of bipartisan leaders who could shape future governance in Washington. In addition, the paper instructs federal and regional ministers to calibrate the risks and benefits of each official travel itinerary to the United States. Belgian diplomats noted that President Trump respects European royalty, referencing recent US visits by King Philippe for the World Cup and Queen Mathilde at the UN General Assembly in New York.

Trade vulnerabilities and security priorities

The strategy document organizes future bilateral engagement across four operational areas: trade and economy, defense procurement, migration policy, and the fight against organized crime. On economic policy, the ministry warned that closer integration carries risks of exposure to renewed American protectionism and tariff disputes. In the defense sector, the memo advises increasing purchases of European-made military equipment, despite White House preferences for foreign acquisitions of American weapons systems. The document identifies counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism cooperation as the most viable areas for ongoing collaboration with federal agencies. Belgium serves as a primary European point of entry for illicit cocaine through the Port of Antwerp and manages domestic production of synthetic narcotics.

Ministry response in Brussels

The cabinet of Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, representing the centrist Les Engagés party, responded to the leak by clarifying that the document is an internal reflection paper. Prévot's office stated that evaluating international trends and proposing policy adaptations is routine procedure for diplomatic staff. Officials noted that the paper does not constitute a finalized bilateral strategy or an official government agreement. A ministry spokesperson confirmed that the underlying transatlantic challenges outlined in the memo remain central to ongoing diplomatic talks. Belgium's official posture remains grounded in its broader National Security Strategy, which formally recognizes growing strain across the Atlantic partnership. The document leak coincides with ongoing engagement through US Ambassador Bill White in Brussels.

“The United States remains an ally, but the transatlantic relationship is evolving. We must take this into account to defend our interests and prepare for the future.”