BELGIAN KING REJECTS PRIME MINISTER’S RESIGNATION
Belgium’s King Philippe has rejected Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s resignation and instructed him to resume budget negotiations immediately, temporarily preventing the collapse of the country’s five-party coalition.
De Wever offered to resign on November 2 after coalition leaders failed to agree on approximately €10 billion in spending reductions and tax measures. Following consultations at the Royal Palace, all five parties committed to making concessions and working toward a three-year budget agreement.
De Wever must report back to the King on November 16.
For Ukraine, the survival of De Wever’s government provides political continuity at an important moment. His government has remained a strong supporter of Kyiv, pledging at least €1 billion in annual military assistance throughout the current legislature.
Belgium has pledged approximately €4.5 billion in bilateral support since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Its 2026 commitments include €1.1 billion in military assistance, funding for air defence, artillery, drones and mine clearance, as well as €100 million for the purchase of American weapons through the PURL initiative.
De Wever has also supported Belgium’s transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Ten aircraft are expected this year, alongside discussions over additional ammunition, while Belgium’s longer-term commitment envisages transferring 30 F-16s by 2028.
Existing support commitments have not been cancelled by the budget dispute. However, a prolonged political crisis or government collapse could delay new military packages, defence spending decisions and the delivery of equipment requiring continued ministerial approval.
King Philippe’s intervention therefore matters beyond Belgium’s domestic politics. Restoring a functioning government protects continuity at a time when Ukraine needs partners capable of making decisions—not governments trapped in months of negotiations or early elections.
De Wever now has ten days to hold the coalition together and produce a workable agreement. For Ukraine, the best outcome is a stable Belgian government that continues turning its promises into weapons, aircraft and practical support.