Belgium has rejected a demand from the United States to impose an entry ban on travelers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, citing scientific advice over political pressure. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke stated that Brussels will continue to follow scientific recommendations and consult with partners and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Vandenbroucke explained that Belgium's strategy focuses on screening and controls at departure points in affected countries, with immediate quarantine for any symptomatic arrivals. He noted that two Belgian hospitals are prepared to receive patients.
The U.S. demand, reportedly made by Ambassador Bill White, came ahead of the World Cup and ahead of daily flights connecting Brussels to Kinshasa. U.S. media indicated that Washington warned European nations that they could face U.S. entry bans if they did not adopt similar strict travel restrictions.
Vandenbroucke accused the Trump administration of undermining the international response to the health crisis, suggesting that reduced development cooperation and medical aid bore significant responsibility. Washington has denied that its aid cuts impacted the detection or response to the Ebola outbreak.
The U.S. had previously implemented entry bans on non-U.S. citizens who had recently been in Ebola-affected countries, a move that deviated from World Health Organization guidance. The WHO declared a global health emergency over the outbreak in May, and confirmed cases in the DRC have since climbed to nearly 600.
