Translation by Gert's Royals, based off the German & French Text.
Notes by Gert's Royals in bold.
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Ladies and gentlemen,
We live in a time where we ask many questions about the state of our world. We are worried about the future. That is why I would like to talk to you today about the common good.
The common good belongs to all of us. It enables us to live together in dignity and security, in a healthy and just world.
It must be at the heart of our actions, even if this requires making difficult choices.
This is all the more important because it is regularly pushed into the background or even denied today, in favor of personal interests.
On a global level, safeguarding the common good begins with protecting our planet. The recent climate conference in Belém certainly didn't meet all expectations. However, the international community remains fully committed to climate protection. The efforts of the past ten years are beginning to bear fruit. And another important step has been taken: Tropical rainforests have been recognized as a global common good, crucial for combating climate change and preserving biodiversity. The international community has pledged to take concrete measures to protect these rainforests, such as those in the Congo Basin.
[The "climate conference in Belém" was the UN COP30 in Belém, Brazil.]
[The Congo Basin is the largest rainforst in Africa, and 2nd largest in the world. It is likely specifically mentioned as Congo is a former colony of Belgium.]
After the Second World War, Europe was built on a peace project that brought it prosperity. This peace, our most precious shared asset, is now threatened by brutal power-seeking, particularly in Ukraine. Our country continues to support the Ukrainian people strongly and resolutely. Our position on the issue of Russian assets does not change this in any way. Now is the time for all of us within the European Union to act in solidarity. We must not allow ourselves to be divided. Together, our democracies are far stronger than we might think.
In our country, the federal government has concluded difficult budget negotiations. The measures adopted are intended to help consolidate public finances while preserving our social model and our prosperity. It is understandable that such a complex undertaking, which affects the core of our common good, sparks debates and tensions. There is no magic bullet and no single, easy solution to this issue.
[The Belgian government agreed on a €9.2 billion multi-year budget deal in November to cut its deficit. The country was under pressure from the European Commission, as its deficit and debt were above the EU limits. The deal took months to agree on as it required a coalition of multiple political parties. The deal led to protests as it included higher taxes, welfare adjustments, etc. ]
We must remain vigilant in implementing the announced measures and not lose sight of the original objectives – by ensuring that solidarity continues to benefit those who need it most.
In Brussels over the past few weeks, I've met many people who are dedicated to the common good: neighborhood groups, healthcare workers, police officers, and even public sanitation workers. These are people who take their work to heart, some even in a heroic way. But they also tell me that, given the difficulties they face, they feel discouraged and abandoned.
These difficulties were compounded by the unreasonable length of time it took to form a Brussels government.
[The Brussels-Capital Region government has been unable to form a new regional government for over a year and a half. Since the June 2024 elections, political parties have failed to agree on a coalition. Brussels’ system requires support from both French-speaking and Dutch-speaking parties, but deep political disagreements have blocked any compromise. As a result, the region is still being run by a caretaker government with limited powers.]
As the challenges facing the region become increasingly urgent, I urge the negotiators to finally reach an agreement on a program that serves the common good.
Ladies and Gentleman,
During the holiday season at the end of the year, we celebrate with our loved ones the bonds that connect us. We should be mindful that, in challenging times, concern for the common good strengthens our unity.
My wife, the Queen, and our children join me in wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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