Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot has warned US Ambassador Bill White that further public comments aimed at Belgian politicians could unnecessarily worsen relations between Belgium and the United States.
The warning came during a 90-minute meeting after White shared an AI-generated image on Instagram targeting Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke. The post was linked to a dispute over new health warnings for alcoholic products.
Prevot strongly criticized the ambassador’s comments, saying such remarks by a diplomat accredited to Belgium were unacceptable. He stressed that the same standards would apply if a Belgian ambassador publicly attacked American officials while serving in the US.
The Belgian foreign minister emphasized that diplomats are expected to follow established diplomatic practices, including mutual respect and avoiding interference in the internal political affairs of their host country.
Prevot urged White to stop making personal public attacks against Belgian politicians, arguing that restraint was important for protecting the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
He also said disagreements between countries should be handled through appropriate diplomatic channels rather than through public criticism or interference in domestic political debates. Prevot warned that another provocation could create an unnecessary escalation and stressed that Belgian sovereignty must be respected.
White said the discussion also addressed the use of social media by diplomats. While saying he respected Prevot’s position, he indicated that he would continue expressing his views publicly.
The US ambassador described the meeting as highly productive and said both sides gained a better understanding of each other’s positions. He did not confirm whether he had apologized for the controversial post.
The dispute follows a change in Belgium’s alcohol health-warning rules. Manufacturers are now expected to use the wording “alcohol damages your health” rather than the previous phrase “alcohol abuse damages your health.” Belgian brewing companies have opposed the change through a campaign.
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