US ambassador sets out plans for ambitious 4 July party in Brussels

Amid ongoing controversy over his outspoken comments about Belgian politicians, US ambassador Bill White has given more details about his plans for a large-scale party in Brussels this summer to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

The event in Cinquantenaire Park will be an invitation-only event due to security concerns and will include fireworks, entertainment and a Nato air show, White told Bruzz.

He said that US, Belgian and French aircraft were already confirmed and he hoped the UK would also participate.

"The capacity there is about 5,000 people, but we can go up to 10,000," White said. "The party will be shown on television via the Armed Forces Network for our troops abroad."

Asked about a rumour that singer Katy Perry had been asked to perform following her appearance at Werchter Boutique the day before, the ambassador responded: “Her contractual obligations prohibit her from talking about other events in Belgium until that concert is sold out. So maybe she will come the next evening, maybe not.”

On the question of financing the big event, White estimated that he required a $2 million budget and already had $1.25 million in donations. "It's going very well," he added. "Many people are very generous."

Asked by Bruzz if he was concerned about a negative reaction to the planned party due to the current role of the US and President Trump's actions, White replied: “Helping Europe, you mean? Yes, this is the perfect time for a party.”

Further questioned about how King Philippe as well as business leaders might not want to attend, he added:  “I haven't heard that from any businessman.

"My vision is that we have an age-old friendship and partnership. As in any marriage, there are sometimes struggles, but Belgium and America are definitely married."

White referred to the historic military ties between the two nations. “The fact that 25,000 of our young men are buried here, who had never met a Belgian before coming here to fight in the first or second world war, creates a very special bond. I'm pretty sure the king will come,” he said with a wink.

He said Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever had “already confirmed his presence”. Meanwhile, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen was invited “to bring a large cake” although the US ambassador offered to make the cake himself.

On the topic of the city of Brussels, described 10 years ago by Trump as a “hellhole”, White told Bruzz. “He only did that on the day that it was really hell here. Brussels was blown up. He never meant it as a general statement against Belgium or the people of Brussels. I find it annoying that people keep bringing up that statement, because they forget the right context.”

He added: “I love Brussels. I came here 20 years ago. When I was president of the Intrepid Museum in New York, we often travelled to foreign troops or war memorials with army sympathisers.”

The ambassador’s experience since taking up the diplomatic post was “that people here are very friendly”  and the food better than in Paris, he said.

White was asked if he would support in Belgium similar actions against illegal migrants as practiced in the US by ICE. Commenting that legal and illegal migration were a major issue throughout Europe and linked to crime, he referred to a recent incident concerning a lady from Alabama travelling on a train from Brussels.

“The police told her after the arrest that the perpetrator may have been staying here illegally. That is not a good advertisement for Belgium or for the capital,” White added.

Regarding future investment deals for US companies, the ambassador said: “Our largest defence companies want to come to Brussels to talk to local companies about the co-production of weapon systems. Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and General Dynamics are all looking for a partner in Europe.”

According to the ambassador, there were meetings scheduled with Belgium’s defence minister, Theo Francken. "That is about billions that can come to Belgium," he said. "I am always told that the economy is great in Flanders, but not so much so in Wallonia or Brussels.

"So when someone asks me where they should go, I say: "Also look at the regions in Belgium where you can really help the economy."

White was also keen to talk to Brussels’ two major universities. "If they would invite me, I'd be happy to come and talk to them," he told Bruzz. "I used to speak a lot at universities. It is always good when people from the business community come there to explain their side of the story."

Photo: Bill White ©US Embassy Brussels