In this interview excerpt, André Flahaut, Belgian Minister for National Defence from 1999 to 2007, discusses his role in incorporating European symbolism into the protocol of the Belgian Army, particularly the European flag and anthem. He emphasises the importance of international cooperation in the field of defence and pays tribute to Javier Solana, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) from 1995 to 1999.

In this interview excerpt, André Flahaut, Belgian Minister for National Defence from 1999 to 2007, recalls the security and defence priorities during the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2001, particularly enhanced European cooperation in the military field. He emphasises that he was keen to take public views on security and defence into account. Referring to the attacks of 11 September 2001 in the United States, André Flahaut explains that these events had a huge impact on the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, driving the EU towards greater integration in the area of intelligence.

In this interview excerpt, André Flahaut, Belgian Minister for National Defence from 1999 to 2007, describes the decision-making process in the area of foreign policy — when there were defence implications at stake — during the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2001. He also mentions Guy Verhofstadt, Belgian Prime Minister from 1999 to 2008 and a Member of the European Parliament since 2009, and Louis Michel, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister from 1999 to 2004, Member of the European Commission for Development and Humanitarian Aid from 2004 to 2009 and a Member of the European Parliament since 2009.

In this interview excerpt, André Flahaut, Belgian Minister for National Defence from 1999 to 2007, describes the involvement of the Belgian authorities and the Belgian Army in the Helios satellite programme. He also shares his thoughts on the real value of these satellites, particularly in military terms.

In this interview excerpt, André Flahaut, Belgian Minister for National Defence from 1999 to 2007 and President of the Chamber of Representatives from 2010 to 2014, gives his views on the action and efficacy of European political parties. He believes that European political parties need to garner more support from the European public by advocating a more social Europe.

In this interview excerpt, André Flahaut, Belgian Minister for the Civil Service, the Modernisation of the Administration and the State Buildings Agency from 1995 to 1999, Minister for National Defence from 1999 to 2007 and President of the Chamber of Representatives from 2010 to 2014, gives his views on the involvement of Belgian Members of Parliament in European and international issues. He also advises candidates for election to the Chamber of Representatives not to neglect European and international questions.