By Dilara Hamit
ANKARA (AA) - Europe must pursue economic and political reforms and strengthen partnerships with countries such as Türkiye to preserve living standards and maintain global competitiveness, a senior Belgian politician told Anadolu.
Georges-Louis Bouchez, president of Belgium's French-speaking Reformist Movement (MR), said widespread public dissatisfaction and protests across Europe reflected a period of significant change.
Speaking during a visit to Ankara, Bouchez addressed the economic pressures facing European countries, the need for closer cooperation with Türkiye, and Europe's efforts to strengthen its strategic independence.
"You know, the difference between theory and the reality is the courage," he said, arguing that many European politicians acknowledged the need for reform but hesitated when confronted with difficult decisions.
He said reducing taxes would require changes to public expenditure, including social security systems, which he argued needed to become more efficient.
"Our social security – it's a great system, but in the same time, we spend too much money for not enough results. So we have to be more efficient," he said.
Bouchez argued that Europeans must be prepared to make short-term sacrifices to preserve the continent's high living standards, healthcare, education and public services.
"If we want to keep our comfort? It is important to make some effort now," he said, adding that politicians should explain not only which reforms were necessary but also why they were needed.
Addressing demonstrations and unrest in France, Bouchez criticized violence during protests, saying there could be no justification for attacks on public infrastructure or businesses.
He also accused political leaders of being overly concerned with popularity rather than presenting clear, long-term plans.
"They want to be popular all the time, but it's not an obligation to be popular. It is important to be serious," he said.
Despite the challenges, Bouchez said Europe had the capacity to remain a global leader in quality of life, provided governments were willing to implement reforms.
- Stronger Türkiye-EU relations
Turning to relations between Türkiye and Europe, Bouchez called for a pragmatic approach focused on shared economic and security interests, including investment, market access and visas.
"I think it's important now to make a win-win deal," he said.
"I think the question of visa, for example, is important for Türkiye. The question also is to enter the common market, the European common market."
Bouchez said Europe needed greater investment and suggested that Turkish businesses could play an important role in strengthening the continent's industrial capacity.
Bouchez argued that the two sides shared more interests than disagreements, despite differences in their political perspectives and priorities.
"We have some opposition. It is normal, because we have different situation, different ideologies also, and we have to respect that," he said.
"But it is important to put on the table all the common interests, all the common goals."
Bouchez identified trade, investment, security, counterterrorism and defense cooperation as areas in which further agreements could be pursued.
He also highlighted Belgium's Turkish diaspora as an important link between the two countries, saying it could help create new opportunities for businesses and investors.
Discussing the economic mission led by Belgium's Queen Mathilde, he said such visits demonstrated respect and helped establish business connections. However, he stressed that sustained engagement was essential to translating diplomatic contacts into concrete projects.
He cited the example of a Turkish industrial company seeking a location in Belgium, saying direct assistance could help facilitate the investment.
- Europe needs a third path between the US and China
Bouchez said growing competition between Washington and Beijing made it increasingly important for Europe to develop its own economic and geopolitical strategy.
"So, it is important to have a third way, because for the moment there is one way with the United States, there is a second way with China, and I think the third way is the relationship between the European Union and some specific partnership like Türkiye," he said.
He argued that Europe should prioritize stronger economic partnerships with Türkiye and African countries as it responds to global competition and the decline of its industrial sector.
According to Bouchez, Europe's industrial share of GDP had been shrinking for roughly two decades, while competition from China and other economies had intensified.
He said cooperation with Türkiye could help Europe diversify its economic relationships and strengthen its position in an increasingly divided international environment.
The Belgian politician warned that without a more independent approach, Europe risked becoming a passive observer of the rivalry between the world's two largest economies.
He also called on European leaders to adopt a more respectful approach toward international partners.
"We need to have more respect also to the rest of the world because in Europe we like to give a lot of lessons to the rest of the world about democracy, the rights, and things like that," he said.
Bouchez argued that European countries should respect the histories, political traditions and electoral outcomes of other nations while continuing to uphold their own values.
- Trump’s 'wake-up call' for Europe
Turning to transatlantic relations, Bouchez described US President Donald Trump's policies as a wake-up call for Europe to strengthen its sovereignty.
"It is just a wake-up call," he said.
He argued that the US had been shifting its strategic attention toward China for approximately two decades, while European countries had failed to adapt sufficiently.
Bouchez said Trump's statements made Europe's dependence on the US more apparent.
While describing Washington as a close ally, he stressed that Europe must develop greater independence in energy, defense and industrial production.
"We need more sovereignty," he said.
He strongly defended nuclear energy, arguing that it was essential for countries such as Belgium, which lack substantial domestic oil and gas resources.
On defense, he pointed to the war in Ukraine and continued reliance on American communication systems, including Elon Musk's Starlink, as evidence that Europe had not done enough to develop independent capabilities.
- Defense cooperation and industrial competitiveness
Bouchez also highlighted Türkiye's importance within NATO, citing its geographical position, diplomatic relationships and expanding defense industry.
"First of all, it's a great advantage to have Turkey inside NATO," he said.
He praised Türkiye's defense manufacturing capabilities and cited cooperation between Belgium's John Cockerill and Türkiye's FNSS as an example of existing industrial ties that could be expanded.
Bouchez argued that joint military projects could improve interoperability and enable NATO members to coordinate defense spending more effectively.
He also criticized what he described as excessive taxation, regulation and high energy costs in Europe, saying these factors have contributed to industrial investment shifting toward China and the US.
The Belgian politician called for faster decision-making, lower energy costs and a more competitive investment environment.
He further identified artificial intelligence as a major opportunity for industrial development, warning that Europe would need to increase investment significantly to compete in the next wave of technological transformation.
Concluding his remarks, Bouchez described Türkiye as a dynamic country with a young population and a strategic location connecting Europe, the Middle East and surrounding regions.
He said strengthening relations with Ankara could help both sides navigate an increasingly competitive international environment while advancing their shared economic and security interests.
