Pol De Witte, diplomacy entrenched in the body

Pol De Witte Reflects on His Career in Diplomacy

For over four decades, Pol De Witte has had a distinguished career as an attache, advisor, and ambassador, culminating in the prestigious role of Secretary General of the Maison du Roi.

Despite his impressive trajectory, De Witte has not shied away from speaking out on issues such as Belgium’s inaction on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, criticizing the country for losing its moral compass.

Decoding Diplomacy with a Belgian Native

In a time when global upheavals have made foreign affairs more political than ever, Pol De Witte, labeled as a “Flemish socialist,” assists in deciphering the diplomatic world.

Q: Does the popular imagination associate diplomats with an old-fashioned Belgium and an elitist profession?

A: De Witte denies fitting this stereotype, emphasizing that motivation and merit are key.

Q: What sparked your passion for diplomacy?

De Witte’s initial dream was to become a journalist, but his interest in international affairs grew during his legal studies interactions with young diplomats.

Q: Can you shed light on your role as Secretary General of the Maison du Roi?

Formerly known as the “Grand Marshal of the Court,” De Witte explains his responsibilities in managing the King’s agenda and engagements.

Q: How does politics influence the King’s actions?

The King’s decisions are thoughtful, combining personal views with input from various sources to align with the expectations of the country and beyond.

Q: Are diplomats crucial in government functioning?

De Witte highlights the significance of diplomats in various government positions, emphasizing their role in smoothing out differences in a coalition government.

Q: What is the level of autonomy for diplomats?

He stresses the consensus-driven nature of Belgian foreign policy while underlining the expertise and influence of diplomats in handling international issues.

Q: Is Belgian diplomacy ideological?

De Witte observes a consensus-driven approach with occasional ideological influences, highlighting issues such as the Congo debate between pragmatic politicians.

Q: What role do diplomats play in raising awareness about the decline of multilateralism and international law?

De Witte acknowledges diplomats’ responsibility in alerting the public about global challenges to multilateralism and international law.

Q: Do diplomats serve as guardians in light of diminishing international norms?

He agrees that diplomats play a vital role in safeguarding international norms amid geopolitical shifts.

Q: What was the goal behind your joint statement regarding Israel’s policies?

De Witte expresses his motivation for the statement, driven by indignation over the situation in Gaza and the need for Belgium to uphold its values on the international stage.

Q: How do you analyze the US annexation ambitions on Greenland?

De Witte comments on Denmark’s reaction to the issue, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in the face of external threats.

Q: Should the EU reconsider its security dependence on the US?

De Witte advocates for a gradual shift towards a more integrated European defense system to reduce dependency on the US through NATO.

Q: How can European military spending surpass Russia’s while maintaining strategic independence?

He underscores the necessity for a unified European defense approach to enhance security without relying heavily on US military equipment.

Q: What is Belgium’s geopolitical future amid transatlantic rifts and challenges to international order?

De Witte aligns Belgium with Canada’s approach, emphasizing the need for EU partnerships based on shared values and long-term strategic interests.

Interview conducted by Gregory Mauz, in two parts on February 25 and March 5, 2026.

Author: Pol De Witte