In the framework of cooperation on security and the fight against terrorism with Belgium, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne will welcome Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo to the Matignon Hotel on Friday, Borne’s cabinet announced in a press release on Thursday.

This is the fourth meeting of this type – called the “Val Duchesse” format – which brings together the French and Belgian governments.

This format, created in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks that hit the two countries in 2014 and 2015, aims to strengthen cooperation between Brussels and Paris on security issues and the fight against terrorism.

The Belgian and French Ministers of the interior, foreign affairs and justice will also meet to discuss the matter.

This announcement came the same day seven people were arrested in East and West Flanders for having planned a terrorist attack, almost all belonging to a group supporting the Islamic State (IS).

Currently, in Belgium, the threat level – determined by the Office for the Coordination of Threat Assessment (OCAM/OCAD) – is at a two on a scale of four.

As for France, the threat level is determined by Vigipirate, an overall plan for surveillance, prevention and protection. France is currently under “Reinforced Security – Risk of Attack”.

De Croo’s visit to France will also be an occasion to discuss the launch, announced on Thursday, of the new joint venture between the French company Technip Energies and the Belgian company John Cockerill. The objective of this joint venture, called Rely, is to offer integrated green hydrogen and power-to-X solutions to decarbonise the industry.

A press conference hosted by both prime ministers is expected in the evening.

(Anne-Sophie Gayet | EURACTIV.com)

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