At India-EU FTA dialogue, Belgian PM’s sharp message without naming Trump or China

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever warned that arbitrary trade barriers and systematic market distortions pose a threat to geopolitical stability, in remarks that appeared to reference the United States and China without naming either. Speaking at a high-level dialogue on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement at the Jio Convention Centre, De Wever criticised the growing trend towards protectionism, unpredictable tariffs and closed markets. He drew laughter and applause when he suggested the audience knew who he was referring to while describing countries that impose tariffs arbitrarily and reverse decisions without economic logic.