Foreign relations of Belgium

Belgium is a country in Europe that helps with important world matters. It belongs to big groups like the European Union and NATO, whose main offices are in Brussels. Because of this, Belgium often takes part in decisions and talks that impact many nations.

Belgium has different parts known as Communities and Regions, and each of these can also form its own agreements with other countries. This allows Belgium to cooperate in many ways to keep Europe and the world safe and linked.

Initial neutrality

Because Belgium is in the middle of Western Europe, armies from bigger countries around it sometimes passed through. With weak borders, Belgium decided to stay out of fights by talking things out. In 1831, other European countries agreed to create Belgium only if it stayed neutral.

This idea of staying neutral ended when Germany took over Belgium in World War I. Before World War II, Belgium tried to be neutral again, but Germany invaded once more. In 1948, Belgium joined a group with the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg through the Treaty of Brussels. A year later, Belgium helped start the Atlantic Alliance.

Belgium's federalism and international relations

Belgium has a special system. Its different parts, called Communities and Regions, can handle their own international relations and make agreements. For example, Flanders works with the Dutch Language Union, and the French Community is part of La Francophonie. In 2013 and 2014, Belgium helped support online volunteering for French-speaking people.

International disputes

Belgium has been part of many international disputes, and they solved them through courts. Two important courts are the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Belgium and the Netherlands have had some disagreements. These include water from the Meuse River in 1937, a special area called the enclave of Baarle-Hertog in 1959, and plans for a train track called the Iron Rhine in 2005. Despite these issues, Belgium and the Netherlands stay good friends.

Belgium has also had cases with other countries. Some examples are the Oscar Chinn Case in 1934 with the United Kingdom, the Borghrave Case in 1937 with Spain, and cases in 1939 with Bulgaria and Greece. In 1970, there was a case about the Barcelona Traction Company with Spain. In 2002, Belgium had a disagreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo over an arrest warrant, and in 2004, there was a case with Serbia and Montenegro.

Diplomatic relations

Belgium has friendly ties with many countries around the world. It works closely with other nations through important groups like the European Union and NATO, both of which have their main offices in Brussels, Belgium’s capital.

Below is a list showing the countries Belgium has diplomatic relations with:

Relationship with countries

Belgium has strong connections with many countries around the world. It is part of big groups like the European Union and NATO, both of which have their main offices in Brussels, Belgium.

The different parts of Belgium, called Communities and Regions, also work with other countries and can make agreements on their own.

Protocol

Belgium has four types of visits for people coming to the country. These visits are ranked by how formal they are.

1. State Visit: This is the most formal type of visit. It is invited by the King of Belgium.
2. Official Visit: Invited by the Prime Minister of Belgium.
3. Working Visit: Invited by an ambassador. The cost for this visit is not paid by Belgium. This includes visits to international organizations.
4. Private Visit: This visit is planned by the visitor themselves. Belgian authorities will only help with security if asked.