Exclusive Interview | Zakia Khattabi: "Friendship Does Not Imply Alignment or Silence."

Brussels Crow | Interview | By Kenan Erer

As debate continues over the U.S. Embassy's planned celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence at Brussels' Cinquantenaire Park, former Belgian Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Zakia Khattabi argues that the controversy goes far beyond the organisation of a single event. In this exclusive interview with Brussels Crow, Khattabi discusses public space, environmental concerns, diplomatic conduct and what she believes the controversy reveals about the future of Europe–U.S. relations.

Interview | Zakia Khattabi (Former Belgian Minister | Ecolo)

1. What is your view on the planned celebration at Cinquantenaire Park?

The criticism expressed in recent weeks appears to me to be largely justified.

First of all, because this involves the temporary privatisation of an iconic public space. Cinquantenaire Park belongs to everyone. Making it available for a diplomatic event of this scale deserves a transparent democratic debate, especially when it results in significant restrictions for citizens.

Secondly, we are facing an unprecedented climate and ecological crisis.

Organising such a massive event in an urban green space cannot be considered insignificant. The warnings raised by organisations such as Natagora should be taken seriously. The impacts on biodiversity, soil, mobility and the overall environmental footprint cannot simply be brushed aside.

But beyond these practical concerns, there is also a symbolic dimension. This celebration appears to be a demonstration of power. We live in a period in which the current U.S. administration stages strength, domination and power projection almost daily. In this context, it is legitimate to question the message being sent when a Belgian public space becomes the stage for such a demonstration.

I believe citizens today expect greater cooperation, restraint and respect for common goods, rather than demonstrations of power.

2. What is your assessment of Ambassador Bill White's public interventions in Belgium?

The repeated interventions of the U.S. ambassador raise a fundamental question of principle.

Diplomacy does not simply consist of representing the interests of one's country. It also requires restraint and respect for the democratic balance of the host country.

When foreign representatives repeatedly intervene in domestic political or judicial debates, they risk blurring that boundary. This becomes particularly problematic when such interventions appear to be part of a broader strategy of political or ideological pressure.

Belgium is a mature democracy. Its Parliament, judiciary and institutions should not be placed under the supervision or influence of any foreign power, however close an ally it may be.

International relations should be based on dialogue and mutual respect, not on relations of power.

3. What does this controversy reveal in your opinion?

In my view, this controversy reflects a much deeper unease.

For several months, we have witnessed the return of power politics in international relations. The Trump administration openly embraces a logic of strength, confrontation and domination that extends across trade, diplomacy and environmental policy.

The celebration at Cinquantenaire cannot be completely separated from this broader context. It gives the impression of staging American power at the very heart of European public space.

I believe Europe must instead affirm a different model—one based on cooperation between peoples, respect for international law, environmental protection and the defence of the common good.

The issue is not to be anti-American. The United States remains a historic partner and a friendly democracy. But friendship does not imply alignment or silence. When certain policies appear contrary to the interests of the climate, multilateralism or democracy, we must be capable of saying so clearly.

Europe must be a respected partner, capable of defending its own values, rather than serving as the backdrop for a demonstration of power that is not its own.