**Belgium Calls in U.S. Ambassador Over Remarks About Health Minister**
*Brussels –* Belgium’s foreign ministry summoned U.S. Ambassador Bill White for a second time after the diplomat made a personal remark concerning Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke, according to a report by *Politico*.
Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, who led the meeting, said the ambassador’s comment was “unacceptable” and constituted a breach of diplomatic protocol. The summons follows an earlier incident in which Ambassador White was criticized for making personal attacks on Belgian politicians, prompting a previous diplomatic protest.
The latest remarks, described by Belgian officials as a “jibe,” targeted Minister Vandenbroucke, who has been in the spotlight for his handling of the country’s health policy. The Belgian government has not disclosed the exact wording of the ambassador’s comment, but officials indicated that it was deemed disrespectful and unrelated to any official policy discussion.
U.S. officials have not yet responded publicly to the summons. The episode underscores ongoing sensitivities in Belgium‑U.S. relations, particularly regarding the conduct of diplomatic representatives.
No further diplomatic actions have been announced, and both governments have indicated a desire to resolve the matter through standard diplomatic channels.
Article and image source: politico.eu
