Bruno Lété

Defence Policy Director @BelgiumDefence 🇧🇪 & Visiting Professor @collegeofeurope 🇪🇺 / Former @GMFUS @EUintheUS Personal views only

[Theresa Fallon @TheresaAFallon]

On a hot day in Brussels like today, I can't help but marvel at this architectural cement catastrophe at the heart of EU institutions. Concrete absorbs 70% to 90% of solar radiation, converting it into heat. On sunny days, its surface temperature can reach 60-82C (140-180F) radiating this heat outward long after the sun has set. It is unlikely anyone will want to eat lunch on this hot plate. Instead, it will be a daily reminder for Eurocrats with a window that the gap between the EU's vision (picture on left) and the concrete jungle heat sink reality can't be papered over by "good intentions."

[Bruno Lété @Bruno_Lete]

Great to join this discussion with PSC Ambassadors and Defence Policy Directors. Deepening EU–NATO cooperation remains vital for Europe’s resilience

[Delphine Pronk @DelphinePronk]

Dear @DepSecGenNATO, thank you for today’s valuable exchange with PSC Ambassadors and Defence Policy Directors on our shared security & defence priorities.🌐 More than ever, a strong EU–NATO partnership is essential for Europe’s security & resilience🤝🇪🇺

[Axel Weydts MP @AxelWeydts]

Europe First. Belgium First.

In tegenstelling tot wat oppositie al maanden beweert blijkt dat onze defensie vooral Europees én Belgisch aankoopt.

De leugen doorprikt met mijn cijfers, opgevraagd bij MoD @FranckenTheo.

De geplande aankopen:

🇺🇸 Slechts 7% Amerikaans
🇪🇺 Zeker al 41% Europees

Over 52% moet nog beslist worden. Laat dat vooral Europees / Belgisch zijn. Goed voor onze welvaart en economie maar ook voor onze strategische autonomie.

Volledig artikel: https://t.co/4KbSnlIcoK

[KyivPost @KyivPost]

❗️Zelensky has outlined all 20 points of Ukraine’s peace plan👇

▪️ Recognition and confirmation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.

▪️ Signing of a non-aggression treaty between Russia and Ukraine, with international monitoring of the line of contact.

▪️ Provision of security guarantees for Ukraine.

▪️ The size of Ukraine’s Armed Forces in peacetime to be up to 800,000 personnel.

▪️ The United States, NATO, and European countries to provide Ukraine with security guarantees similar to Article 5. In the event of a new Russian invasion, a military response would follow and sanctions would be reinstated.

▪️ Russia to legally закрепить a course of non-aggression toward Ukraine and Europe.

▪️ Ukraine to obtain EU membership within an agreed timeframe, preferably with a fixed date.

▪️ Formation of a global development package to be formalized through a separate investment agreement.

▪️ Creation of several reconstruction funds to attract around $800 billion.

▪️ Acceleration of the signing of a free trade agreement between Ukraine and the United States.

▪️ Confirmation of Ukraine’s non-nuclear status.

▪️ Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant: no compromises. The US proposes a trilateral management format with a lead manager from the United States. Ukraine’s position is joint management with the US on a parity basis (50/50).

▪️ Introduction of educational programs in schools aimed at promoting tolerance, intercultural understanding, and combating racism and bias.

▪️ The territorial issue is the most difficult point. One possible scenario:
Russia withdraws troops from the Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions. In Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, the principle of “remaining on current positions” applies. Russia demands Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donetsk region, while the US proposes a compromise in the form of a free economic zone. If the “stand where we stand” principle is not accepted, the free economic zone option would be possible only through a referendum, with the entire package of agreements put to a vote.

▪️ Russia and Ukraine commit not to revise the agreed arrangements through the use of force.

▪️ Russia does not obstruct Ukraine’s use of the Dnipro River and the Black Sea for commercial purposes. The Kinburn Spit is to be demilitarized.

▪️ A prisoner exchange under an “all for all” formula, the return of civilians, children, and political prisoners.

▪️ Ukraine to hold elections as soon as possible after the agreement is signed.

▪️ The document is legally binding, with implementation overseen by a Peace Council chaired by Trump.

▪️ After all parties agree, a full ceasefire comes into effect immediately.

[Guido Crosetto @GuidoCrosetto]

Great meeting with my Belgian colleague and friend, @FranckenTheo, today at the Italian Ministry of Defense.
We spoke frankly and in a spirit of friendship about cooperation in the defense sector, including the industrial dimension.
We discussed the future of Europe, the threats it faces and concerns to the north, east, and south, the future of NATO, and the need to work together across all areas related to the security and defense of our citizens.”

We discussed also defence industrial cooperation, including Belgian F-35 production in Italy and pilot training.

We explored ways to strengthen EU defence and how Belgium & Italy can work together to address geopolitical challenges in Europe and Africa.

[Bruno Lété @Bruno_Lete]

Realpolitik in action:

Ukraine backs Syria’s new regime—on one condition. Kyiv wants Damascus to block Russia’s return to Tartus NAVY Base, Moscow’s key naval gateway to the Mediterranean.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

We welcome Syria’s arrest warrant for its former president Bashar al-Assad and support all efforts aimed at bringing him to justice.

Since December of last year, he has been hiding in Moscow, along with Ukrainian and other high-level criminals.

It is telling that the world’s most notorious murderers and criminals hide from justice in the capital of impunity.

Russia covers up its own and others’ crimes. The only way to end impunity is through pressure, collective action, and accountability for all crimes.

We are grateful to everyone around the world who helps to reinforce international law and rebuild countries after Bashar al-Assad and other douchebags leave them in ruins.

[Theo Francken @FranckenTheo]

De inschrijvingen voor het militaire dienstjaar zijn geopend! Ben je tussen de 18 en 25 jaar oud en wens je je 12 maanden in te zetten voor ons land? Kom dat bij Defensie!

Wij bieden veel avontuur en nieuwe vrienden, een mooie nettoloon (meer dan 2.000 euro per maand) en een militaire opleiding om U tegen te zeggen.

Haast je want er zijn maar 500 plaatsen!

Schrijf je hier in: https://t.co/wb5t1NA5J1

@BelgiumDefence

[Bruno Lété @Bruno_Lete]

Merci @DGRIS_FR pour une réunion riche et un dialogue constructif. Notre ��change stratégique illustre la profondeur du partenariat franco-belge.

[DGRIS @DGRIS_FR]

#DialogueStratégique 🇫🇷🇧🇪

Le 22 septembre, le général Éric Peltier, directeur général adjoint de la #DGRIS, s'est entretenu avec @Bruno_Lete, directeur de la politique de défense pour la Belgique.

Les discussions ont souligné une large convergence de vues sur la situation sécuritaire en Europe, le soutien à l’Ukraine ainsi que l’importance du partenariat de CaMo, modèle d’interopérabilité entre les armées de Terre française et belge.

🤝 Ces rencontres régulières renforcent la relation dynamique entre nos deux pays et permettent d’échanger sur les nombreuses perspectives de coopération, tant bilatérales que multilatérales.

@BelgiumDefence

[Bruno Lété @Bruno_Lete]

“It’s the economy, stupid”

🇺🇦 deep strikes on oil production will slowly but surely erode revenue

+ 🇪🇺 slowly but surely rearming militarily (watch Germany)

The result is a weapon race that 🇷🇺 ultimately won’t be able to finance-and that will be the end. Like before in history

[The Kyiv Independent @KyivIndependent]

⚡️Ukraine reportedly strikes oil refinery in Russia's Saratov Oblast, explosions reported deep inside Russia.

Ukrainian drones reportedly struck an oil refinery in the city of Saratov overnight on Sept. 20, Russian Telegram channels reported.

https://t.co/ptFvongcRv

[Bruno Lété @Bruno_Lete]

The right thing to do 💪

[Bart De Wever @Bart_DeWever]

Just attended a wonderful performance in Essen by the Münchner Philharmoniker conducted by Lahav Shani.

Immediately after the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas, I expressed my fear that the Israeli government would allow itself to be drawn into an endless violent conflict in Gaza. Unfortunately, that fear came true, with all the terrible consequences that entailed. That is why Belgium supports all targeted sanctions proposed by the European Union to end the war. The interests of innocent civilians, regardless of their origin or beliefs, are paramount in this regard.

However, let me be very clear: there will never, ever be any room for racism and antisemitism in this country. That is where I draw the line. I therefore strongly condemn the recent cancellation of the Münchner Philharmoniker by the Flanders Festival Ghent, solely on the basis of the origin of conductor Lahav Shani. I insisted on conveying this message to him personally and expressing my appreciation for his contribution to the power of music.

[Michelle Haas @MichelleHaas_]

De NAVO noemt de militaire agressie tegen Polen ‘volstrekt roekeloos’.

Dat wekt de indruk dat het gaat om gevaarlijk handelen zonder nadenken. Maar het tegendeel is waar: ondanks de shock past dit juist in de doelbewuste Russische strategie om de NAVO stap voor stap te testen.

[Theo Francken @FranckenTheo]

Russia's violations of NATO airspace are unacceptable. We must further increase our vigilance and respond appropriately to any form of Russian aggression.

Counterdrone procurement must be a priority.

I express my solidarity and support to the Polish nation and the strong Polish people. @KosiniakKamysz

#WeAreNATO

[Jorge Liboreiro @JorgeLiboreiro]

Remember SAFE, the EU's €150 billion programme to boost defence spending?

This is how the loans have been allocated.

[Bruno Lété @Bruno_Lete]

🇧🇪 💪 🇺🇦

[Theo Francken @FranckenTheo]

Within the PURL package, Belgium will provide an additional €100 million in military aid to Ukraine this year, on top of the €1 billion we have already given. Russia is increasing its deadly attacks. We #StandwithUkraine and must respond to this in unity.

#EU2025DK

[Bruno Lété @Bruno_Lete]

Real-politik ahead of U.S.-China Summit later this year

[Demetri @AsiaLens]

SCOOP - Trump administration told #Taiwan's President @ChingteLai he could not transit #NewYork en route to Central America. Lai then cancelled the whole trip.

https://t.co/MnAUxB0H9X

[Bruno Lété @Bruno_Lete]

And it may get even messier.
The deal still needs to go through the notoriously complex EU ratification system (including European Parliament) before it enters into force. The U.S. better buckles up for a lengthy journey.

[Jorge Liboreiro @JorgeLiboreiro]

The EU-US trade deal just got messier: the White House has published a fact-sheet about the agreement with claims that directly contradict the European Commission's version of events.

Let's take a closer look.
https://t.co/fxO06yCN8r

[Bruno Lété @Bruno_Lete]

🇧🇪 Belgian #F16s joined 🇫🇷 & 🇬🇧 yesterday for a defensive air patrol over the Black Sea, reinforcing vigilance and collective European security.

The Black Sea will not be a Russian lake.

[Belgian Defence @BelgiumDefence]

Gisteren hebben 🇧🇪 #F16’s ter ondersteuning van en in samenwerking met 🇫🇷 & 🇬🇧 een defensieve luchtbewakingsopdracht uitgevoerd boven de Zwarte Zee. Deze inzet kadert in verhoogde waakzaamheid en versterkt de Europese veiligheid en vrije doorgang boven internationale wateren

[Bruno Lété @Bruno_Lete]

��🇦 For those Ukrainians protesting, Bill #12414 feels as a slap in the face to those who died fighting corrupt Russia—and a blow to their hopes joining the EU as Brussels is watching with concern

[Bruno Lété @Bruno_Lete]

Vaak vergeten… maar ook 4 Belgen stierven toen separatisten gesteund door Rusland botweg een commercieel vliegtuig uit de lucht schoten boven Oost-Oekraïne.

[MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 @MFA_Ukraine]

Eleven years ago, Russia shot down Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine’s Donetsk region, killing all passengers and crew on board.

Nothing can bring back the 298 lives lost. But justice must be served – to honour their memory and to make sure such a tragedy never happens again.

The downing of MH17 is a painful reminder of the consequences of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine. Today is also the World Day for International Criminal Justice, a day that underscores the need for accountability in this tragedy.

Ukraine remains steadfast in our commitment to uncovering the truth and holding those responsible to account.

[Bruno Lété @Bruno_Lete]

Every July, Belgian troops parade armed in London’s Cenotaph — the Belgian military is the only non-Commonwealth nation granted the privilege to carry weapons in central town. A tribute born from WWI bonds and respect.

[Admiral Tanguy Botman @COM_BelgianNavy]

Tijdens de herdenkingsceremonie aan de Cenotaph in Londen marcheerden Belgische militairen met wapens. Een eervol moment van herinnering en verbondenheid. Onze Marine vindt haar oorsprong in de Belgian Section of the Royal Navy.@RoyalNavy @TheBelgianNavy https://t.co/uw6O7lSo7w