Groen/Ecolo deliberately blocks crucial exports to Ukraine and the UK

Prime Minister De Croo and several federal ministers did not shy away from serious words to express our continued support for Ukraine. Internationally, however, people have long known better: Belgium is making only a minimal effort to give the besieged country much-needed military support. Worse still, the De Croo government is even actively holding back support, especially through a veto by the Groen and Ecolo parties. For many allies, it is gradually becoming the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

The press reported on the non-delivery of non-military material to a NATO ally (the UK), but due to the secrecy surrounding the file, they only saw the tip of the iceberg. Since the summer, not one but two federal export licences have in fact been deliberately blocked by the green parties in the government. One is to the UK for an isostatic press and another is to Ukraine for a milling machine. One would be used to ensure the quality of British nuclear weapons, while the other is for Ukraine to maintain their ammunition production. This is essential today so that Ukraine can sustain its fight against Russia and NATO can maintain the credibility of its nuclear deterrent.

The green parties are adamant

The Groen and Ecolo parties can block exports because they fall under the CANVEK law. This law stipulates that the export of components that could potentially be used for nuclear applications requires the consent of the Minister of Energy, in this case, Tinne Van der Straeten. The blockade is not new and has persisted since the summer. The coalition partners within the government were already preparing a bill that makes the necessary changes to the CANVEK law to get the files back on track. Despite all the foreign pressure and demarches from coalition partners (most recently Minister Lahbib), the green parties remain adamant.

Beyond shameful

For MP Anneleen Van Bossuyt, this is “beyond shameful”. “Groen and Ecolo bear a crushing responsibility in this file. They are abusing their position in the Energy Department. It is not entirely clear why; it is certainly unlikely in the case of Ukraine that these goods would be used in the production of nuclear weapons, which is why they were included on the CANVEK list for safety reasons.

Are they sabotaging the fight against Russia?

Are they so dogmatic because it has the word ‘nuclear’ in it? Is it part of a political game within the majority? Are they actively trying to sabotage the fight against Russia? We don’t know, but the result is and remains that currently, Flemish companies cannot export their products that Ukraine can barely do without now in its hour of need and our relationship with the British is put at risk. We will hold the Prime Minister accountable for this.”