⚖️ Together with my colleague, Minister of Justice @AnneliesVl, I met with @IntlCrimCourt President Tomoko Akane in Brussels today to reaffirm Belgium’s unwavering support for the International Criminal Court. At a time when its independence and ability to operate are under pressure, our support must go beyond words. Belgium will continue working with the other Court’s partners to secure concrete measures that protect its independence, its staff and its ability to deliver justice. The ICC must be able to fulfil its mandate without intimidation or interference. @BelgiumMFA

🇬🇧 I join my colleagues from 28 other countries in condemning Iran’s violent attacks and hybrid activities on our territories. We recognise the UK’s attribution of Iranian involvement in the incident at RAF Fairford on 27 September. Targeting Jewish communities, journalists or anyone else through covert networks and proxies is unacceptable. No one should have to live in fear of a foreign regime on European soil. Our message to Iran is clear: we will defend our sovereignty, protect our communities and act together to hold those responsible to account. Joint Statement on Iran, 12 October gov.uk/government/news/joint…

⚖️ I strongly condemn the new US sanctions against the International Criminal Court. Seeking to cripple the Court’s work denies victims a path to justice and puts those responsible for the gravest crimes beyond its reach. At Belgium’s initiative, support for the ICC will be discussed with my EU foreign affairs colleagues on Monday and at the forthcoming European Council. We will press for concrete protection. The Court’s independence cannot depend on whom it investigates. Europe must act. Belgium is calling for the activation of the EU Blocking Statute to protect the Court and those who support its work. We must also defend our right to uphold international law without foreign sanctions dictating our choices. @BelgiumMFA @IntlCrimCourt

🇺🇦 My deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the relentless Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past week. My thoughts are also with the many wounded, with those who have lost their homes, and with the Ukrainian people who continue to endure this violence. The devastating attacks in Pryluky, where five children were among those killed, on passenger buses in Kramatorsk and on Ukraine's capital Kyiv are part of a much wider pattern. Residential areas, energy infrastructure and bridges have come under attack. As winter approaches, Russia is targeting the very infrastructure that allows people to work, travel, heat their homes and maintain some sense of normal life. The recent attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea are equally alarming, endangering seafarers from countries across the world, freedom of navigation and food supplies in some of the world's most vulnerable regions. At the same time, Russia presents itself to the Global South as a reliable partner for security, sovereignty and food security, and as a champion of the fight against neo-colonialism. Yet it continues to wage a war against an independent nation, with consequences reaching far beyond Europe's borders. Respect for sovereignty and international law cannot depend on geography or political convenience. The principles Russia invokes in its relations with the rest of the world must also apply to Ukraine. Belgium stands firmly with Ukraine and its people. We will continue supporting them and working with our partners to increase pressure on Russia, protect civilians and seek a just and lasting peace. @BelgiumMFA @BelgiumUkraine @andrii_sybiha

🇸🇦 Belgium stands in solidarity with Saudi Arabia and expresses its full support to the Kingdom following the latest deadly Houthi attacks. I strongly condemn these unacceptable attacks on Saudi sovereignty and civilian infrastructure. My thoughts are with the families of the victims of all nationalities and with all those injured. Across the border, the people of Yemen are also paying a devastating price. More than 200,000 people have been displaced by the renewed fighting, deepening an already dire humanitarian crisis. These attacks must stop. Civilians must be protected, wherever they are. The region urgently needs de-escalation, humanitarian relief and a return to diplomacy. @BelgiumMFA @BelgiuminRiyadh

🇷🇴🇧🇬 The recent drone attacks on commercial vessels in the exclusive economic zones of Romania and Bulgaria are deeply concerning. Belgium stands in solidarity with both countries. Civilian ships and their crews must be protected, and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea must be respected. This is also a matter of global food security. Ukraine depends heavily on the Black Sea to export its grain. When ships are attacked, ports are disrupted or these routes are blocked, Ukrainian grain cannot reach world markets as it should. Ukraine’s grain routes are a lifeline for global food markets. Disrupting them drives up transport and insurance costs, puts pressure on food prices and affects countries far beyond Europe, including those already facing hunger and food insecurity. The Black Sea must remain open and safe for civilian shipping. Protecting freedom of navigation also means protecting global trade and global food security. @BelgiumMFA

🇧🇪 Warm congratulations to Belgian physicist Francis Halzen on receiving the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for his groundbreaking work on neutrinos and the IceCube Observatory. Deep beneath the Antarctic ice, IceCube brings together scientists from across the world. It is a remarkable scientific achievement and a powerful reminder of what international cooperation can accomplish. As one of the original signatories of the Antarctic Treaty, Belgium has long stood for Antarctica as a place of peace, science and international cooperation. Today, we can be especially proud to see a fellow Belgian honoured at the very highest level of science. @BelgiumMFA

🇪🇪 Full solidarity with Estonia following the confirmed Russian-directed arson attack against Milrem Robotics. Russia’s campaign of sabotage and intimidation seeks to spread fear, divide Europe and weaken our support for Ukraine. It will fail. We will remain united, vigilant and resolute. Together with our partners, we will continue to strengthen our resilience, support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia. @BelgiumMFA

🇸🇦🇾🇪 The latest Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and the internationally recognised Government of Yemen mark another dangerous escalation in a region already under immense pressure. Belgium strongly condemns these attacks. We should also be clear about the bigger picture. The Houthis are escalating this conflict with continued support from Iran. You cannot call for de-escalation while enabling forces that attack their neighbours and threaten one of the world’s most vital shipping routes. Bab al-Mandab is not a bargaining chip. Blocking or disrupting this vital artery puts global supply chains at risk. It can lead not only to higher prices, but to shortages of food, fuel and other essential goods, with the most vulnerable paying the highest price. This escalation must stop. Freedom of navigation must be protected. Iran must use its influence for de-escalation rather than confrontation. And diplomacy must prevail before yet another front spirals further out of control. @BelgiumMFA