The reasons given were various: foreign affairs minister Steven Vanackere was on a diplomatic mission to Egypt; economy minister Vincent Van Quickenborne pleaded a desire to work on matters relating to the conduct of the outgoing government. Others who were sought had full agendas. Businesspeople, on the other hand, see the ministers’ reluctance to travel as a result of the forthcoming elections on 13 June.

“Psychologically, I can understand: they’re busy with their campaigns,” commented former finance minister Mark Eyskens, whose participation had been solicited. “But this undermines the function they’ve been entrusted with. They’re putting party interests ahead of the interests of the state,” he said.

Prince Filip and his delegation are due back later this week.