Belgium’s King Philippe used his traditional Christmas message to urge citizens and political leaders to refocus on the “common good”, warning that solidarity is under increasing
strain both at home and abroad.
Speaking from the Royal Palace in Laeken, the King pointed to the war in Ukraine, fraught budget negotiations and the prolonged political deadlock in Brussels as clear signs of mounting pressure on shared responsibility. Working for the common good, he said, enables people to “live together with dignity and security, in a healthy and fair world, even when this requires difficult choices”.
At the global level, the King stressed that protecting the planet remains an essential collective duty. While acknowledging that the recent climate conference in Belém fell short of expectations, he underlined that “the international community continues to commit itself to the climate”.
Turning to Europe, King Philippe described peace as the continent’s “most precious common good”, now threatened by what he called “brutal domination in Ukraine”. He reaffirmed Belgium’s firm and resolute support for the Ukrainian people, adding that debates over frozen Russian assets would not weaken that commitment. He also urged European countries to maintain unity and resist division.
On domestic issues, the King addressed the ongoing federal budget talks, calling for measures that restore public finances while safeguarding Belgium’s social model and economic prosperity. There is no single or easy solution, he said, but solidarity must continue to support those most in need.
He reserved particularly strong words for Brussels’ political leaders, criticising the “unreasonably long” process of forming a regional government, which has now exceeded 560 days. Many Brussels residents who work hard for the common good feel discouraged and abandoned, he warned, urging negotiators to “finally reach an agreement in the interest of the people”.
The address concluded with a renewed appeal for unity, with the King stressing that in challenging times, caring for the common good ultimately strengthens society as a whole. Photo by © European Union, 1998 – 2025, Wikimedia comons.