NEWS & PUBLICATIONS

News and Events

Visit the Belgian Embassy on EU Open House Day, May 12.
April 7 Remembrance Day.
Bus Accident in Switzerland.
Recall of the Belgian ambassador to Syria for consultation.
Belgian scientist wins prestigious Crafoord Prize
EU imposes fresh round of sanctions on Iran
Minister Reynders encourages the Syrian opposition to create a united platform
Advanced level Dutch classes start on Monday, January 23, 2012
EMBASSY HONORS VETERANS OF THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE
Embassy is grateful for support after
shooting incident in Liège, Belgium
BelCham Entrepreneurship Awards
PROFESSOR MATTHIAS MATTHIJS RECEIVES FISHER PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE INTEACHING
DISCOVERING BELGIAN ART IN THE MOJAVE DESERT
Coming 2 Belgium? An easy introduction to the Belgian social security system
NEW YORK MUSEUM FOR AFRICAN ART AND ROYAL MUSEUM FOR CENTRAL AFRICA OF TERVUREN, BELGIUM, SIGN COOPERATION AGREEMENT
FILMS FROM BELGIUM AT THE EU FILM SHOWCASE
MUSICAL PENGUINS FROM BELGIUM AT KIDS EURO FESTIVAL
Minister Vanackere on the release of Gilad Shalit
Dutch Classes 2011
President Carter Honored by Belgium
The PBS History Detectives Follow Clues to Belgian Embassy in DC
Belgium and the United States Sign Agreement to Prevent and Combat Serious Crime
The Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF) Fellowships
Opening of the exhibition of the Pastrana Tapestries
at the National Gallery of Art
BELGIUM WINS “BEST INTERNATIONAL TEAM” TROPHY AT AIR FORCE RODEO
No White House Tours during the month of August.
Belgium strengthens its ties with the USA
The Challenges of a Common European Foreign policy
Olivier Chastel congratulates Dr. Denis Mukwege, winner of the King Baudouin Prize

Visit the Belgian Embassy on EU Open House Day, May 12.

Come learn about Belgium when the Embassy opens its doors on Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of EU Open House Day. In keeping with Belgium’s “2012 Year of Gastronomy” tourist theme, this year we will be highlighting Belgian food and drink specialties.

Barry Callebaut®, the world’s leading manufacturer of high quality cocoa and chocolate, is celebrating its 100th anniversary and, to mark the occasion, throughout the day we will be screening the company’s film “Unveiling the Secrets of Cocoa and Chocolate.” Learn about the process of chocolate- making from cocoa bean to finished product and sample some gourmet baking Callets.

In another room, Le Pain Quotidien, the Belgian bakery with over 140 locations around the world, will be offering samples of its delicious organic breads and spreads.

Belgian waffles will be prepared outside (weather permitting) by chefs from Locolat, an authentic Belgian café on Florida Avenue, and Embassy chef Jan Van Haute.

Featured beers will include Stella, Leffe, Hoegaarden (all supplied by Anheuser-Busch), Orval and Lindemans fruit beers.

The Embassy is also very appreciative for the generous support of Biscuiterie Jules Destrooper and Bloom/Food Lion.

Please stop by our economic information desk and watch the video about Belgium’s economic achievements. Our Police Liaison Officer will also be on hand to speak about law enforcement cooperation between the United States and Belgium. A slide show on the Belgian Residence will be played on a continuous loop in the Ambassador’s office. And, if you’re thinking about a trip to Belgium, pick up some tourist brochures.

For information on what other EU Member States are doing on Open House Day, please visit www.euopenhouse.org

We look forward to seeing you on May 12!

April 26, 2012

April 7 Remembrance Day.

In 1997, the Belgian Government declared an official day of remembrance to honor members of the military who have died since l945 while in service to humanitarian causes or peacekeeping operations. April 7 was chosen as the specific date, because it marks the day in 1994 when ten Belgian paratroopers, UN soldiers in Rwanda who were escorting the Rwandese prime minister, were captured and brought to a camp in Kigali, where they were brutally murdered. Since the end of World War II, more than 200 Belgian military servicemen have lost their lives in the line of duty. They are now remembered with a ceremony that takes places on April 7 at 11 a.m. (Belgian time) at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Brussels; Belgian military and civilian personnel elsewhere in the world also honor their fallen comrades on this day.

April 7, 2012

Bus Accident in Switzerland.

King Albert II, Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders expressed their grief on hearing the news of the terrible bus accident that took place in Switzerland last night. The thoughts of the entire nation go out to the 28 victims, their parents and family members. The Belgian government takes every possible step to keep the families informed, to arrange transport to the site of the accident and to offer psychological counseling. Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo and several other ministers will also visit the site of the crash today. The embassy wishes to take this opportunity to thank those who left messages of condolence at the embassy, by phone or online. If you wish to send a message, you can do so on our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Embassy-of-Belgium-in-Washington-DC/172024242858297

March 14, 2012

Recall of the Belgian ambassador to Syria for consultation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders announced that he was immediately recalling the Belgian ambassador to Syria for consultations.

Didier Reynders has also requested that High Representative Catherine Ashton quickly organise the coordination of the 27 EU Member States regarding the security of our diplomatic posts in Syria and concerning the correct measures that could be taken in order to best respond to the development of the situation.

February 8, 2012

Belgian scientist wins prestigious Crafoord Prize.

The Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences has awarded the prestigious Crafoord Prize to Belgian mathematician and professor at Princeton University, Jean Bourgain.

Professor Bourgain will be given the 445,000 Euros prize for his ground-breaking work on number theories and differential comparisons. He shares the prize with the Australian-American scientist Terrence Tao from the University of California at Los Angeles.

“There are so many other colleagues who excel and deserve this prize as much as I do,” commented a surprised Bourgain.

The Crafoord Prize, often referred to as equivalent to the Nobel Prize, is not the first honor to be bestowed upon professor Bourgain. In 1985 he won both the prize of the Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research, and the Langevin Prize of the French Academy of Sciences. Prizes in Switzerland and Ukraine followed. He received honorary doctorates from the universities of Marne-la-Vallée in France and the Free University of Brussels in Belgium. Two years ago, he shared the Hong Kong Shaw Prize in Mathematical Sciences with four colleagues.

The Crafoord Prize will be presented to professor Bourgain by King Carl Gustaf of Sweden at a ceremony in April.

January 24, 2012

EU imposes fresh round of sanctions on Iran

Today the European Union has decided to broaden restrictive measures on Iran. The steps have been agreed upon by the 27 Member States of the EU, at the Foreign Affairs Council. The targets of today’s decision are the sources of finance of Iran’s nuclear program. These new sanctions are designed to complement and reinforce previous action by the EU against the Iranian regime.

Background:
The EU’s objective is to develop a durable and positive relationship with Iran. There is great potential for a constructive partnership, from which both sides could draw benefits.

However, since 2005, the serious concerns over the Iranian nuclear program have dominated EU-Iran relations. A number of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions have been passed in relation to Iran. As a member of the UN, Iran is bound by these resolutions. However, resolutions in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010 have not persuaded Iran to alter its current course.

In October 2011, the issue of Iran’s nuclear program descended further, with the publication of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) report. The report raised further concerns over the nature and intent of the Iranian nuclear program. The start of operations of enrichment of uranium to a level of up to 20%, in the deeply buried underground facility in Fordow near Qom, further aggravates concerns about possible military dimensions to Iran’s nuclear programme. Iran’s acceleration of enrichment activities is in flagrant violation of six UNSC Resolutions and eleven IAEA Board resolutions and contributes to increasing tensions in the region. Against this background and the lack of engagement from the Iranian side with the efforts aimed at constructive talks made by Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the E3+3, the EU has decided to extend sanctions. By targeting the sources of finance of the Iranian nuclear programme, the EU aims to starve the programme of money and so encourage Iran back to the negotiating table.

Why sanctions?
EU sanctions are designed to persuade Iran to comply with its international obligations and constrain its development of sensitive technologies in support of its nuclear and missile programmes.

The EU has consistently argued that the best way to solve the impasse is through constructive negotiations. The EU remains committed to achieving a comprehensive and long-term settlement which would build international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme, while respecting Iran’s legitimate rights to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in conformity with the Non Proliferation Treaty. Catherine Ashton, as the designated negotiator on behalf of the E3+3, has always signalled her readiness to resume talks.

Who do the sanctions target?
It is important to note that EU sanctions are not targeted at the Iranian people, but rather those individuals and entities that are bankrolling Iran’s nuclear programme. Today the EU banned imports of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products. The prohibition concerns import, purchase and transport of such products as well as related finance and insurance. Already concluded contracts can still be executed until 1 July 2012. A review of the measures relating to oil and petroleum products will take place before 1 May 2012. In addition, the EU outlawed imports of petrochemical products from Iran into the EU, as well as the export of key equipment and technology for this sector to Iran. New investment in petrochemical companies in Iran as well as joint ventures with such enterprises are also no more allowed.

The EU also froze the assets of the Iranian central bank within the EU, while ensuring that legitimate trade can continue under strict conditions. Trade in gold, precious metals and diamonds with Iranian public bodies and the Central Bank will no longer be permitted, nor will the delivery of Iranian-denominated banknotes and coinage to the Iranian Central Bank. A number of additional sensitive dual-use goods may not be sold to Iran. Finally, the EU subjected three more persons to an asset freeze and a visa ban. It also froze the assets of eight further entities.

For more information, please visit:
www.eeas.europa.eu/top_stories/2012/230112_iran_en.htm

January 24, 2012

Minister Reynders encourages the Syrian opposition
to create a united platform

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders had separate meetings with two important Syrian opposition groups. He spoke with Mr Burhan Ghalioun, leader of the Syrian National Council (SNC), and with Mr Haytham Manna, representative of the National Coordination Committee (NCC). Minister Reynders is one of the first to be able to speak with these two groups since their recent attempt at unification.

He advocates peaceful action and an opposition that represents as many of Syria’s communities as possible. The Minister also emphasised the importance of reaching a united opposition platform in order to offer a decisive alternative after the departure of President Assad. A split opposition, after all, only plays into the hands of the current Syrian regime. According to Didier Reynders, it would be good to have a joint opposition structure. But it is even more important to be in agreement on a number of principles before the transition, such as a programme and a calendar.

Due to the serious situation in Syria, the two groups have declared that they are ready to continue discussions to reach a common point of view, which the Minister welcomed.

The Arab League’s initiative was also discussed, including an evaluation of the first observation mission. Didier Reynders confirmed Belgium’s support of the Arab League, which must continue to play a key role as a regional organisation.

The SNC also urged the creation of a European aid fund to alleviate the major humanitarian needs in Syria.

Furthermore, Minister Reynders defended the European sanctions policy. He also believes that a strong resolution from the UN Security Council is necessary. Russia’s willingness to negotiate a resolution must be used to send a clear signal to the Syrian regime that the violence must stop and that President Assad must make way for truly democratic reforms. Belgium, within the European Union and together with the international community, will continue to strive towards a swift end to the dramatic situation in which the Syrian people find themselves.

January 09, 2012

Advanced level Dutch classes start on Monday, January 23, 2012

The Embassy of Belgium is pleased to announce that, starting in January, its Dutch language courses for Beginners and Intermediates will be augmented by a course for Advanced students.

This new 15-week course will take place at the Belgian Embassy on Mondays from 6pm to 8pm. These classes are offered at the price of $300, payable on the first day of the course, in cash or check to the “Embassy of Belgium – Dutch classes”.

Please fill out the registration form accessible on the Embassy’s website: PDF and MS Word format) and bring the completed form with you on the first day of the course.

Advanced Curriculum

At this level we will focus on conversation. We will use the book “Niet Vanzelfsprekend” as a guide throughout the course. It offers dialogues and more complicated texts and articles that give us plenty of materials to discuss. Grammar and exercises on new vocabulary will also be part of our classes.

The goal of the course is to strive for a balance between listening, reading and speaking skills. In order to obtain that balance, we will take advantage of other articles, newsflashes and reports directly from the internet, in addition to the book. All these components will make it an exciting course!

Course material : The book “Niet Vanzelfsprekend. Een vervolgmethode Nederlands voor anderstaligen” is available for purchase at the price of $ 80. The price includes shipping and handling fees.

January 06, 2012

EMBASSY HONORS VETERANS OF THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE

The Belgian residence was fully decorated for the Christmas season when Ambassador and Mrs. Matthysen opened their doors to the veterans of the Battle of the Bulge on December 15.

Ambassador and Mrs. Matthysen at the Belgian residence with veterans of the Battle of the Bulge

Upon arrival at the residence, the veterans and other guests were greeted with holiday songs performed by the Madrigals of Walter Johnson High School, Bethesda, Maryland, under the direction of Choral Director, Isabel Hernandez-Cata. Throughout the reception, the singers, sometimes solo, sometimes in small groups, serenaded guests with songs popular in the 1940’s.

Ambassador Matthysen reminisced about the monumental battle for freedom that took place on Belgian and Luxembourg soil 67 years ago: Those who fought in that long, cold, fierce battle were so involved in the daunting task of routing the enemy that they probably did not have time to consider their role as peace-makers. With hindsight, however, we know that they did make a significant contribution to winning the war and to creating lasting peace in Europe. He emphasized the respect in which Belgium holds the veterans, the country’s gratitude for their accomplishments and the need to keep alive the memory of the Battle of the Bulge.

A highlight of the reception came when the Ambassador announced that a special Belgian award, the Fourragère 1940, had been bestowed on three veterans who were part of a unit cited twice in the Daily Orders of the Belgian Army for heroic actions during the Battle of the Bulge: Mr. Sossio E. (Pat) Capasso; Mr. Ted Hauprichts and Mr. Harry E. McCracken. Warm and sustained applause followed and during the reception many guests had the opportunity to individually thank the veterans for their service.

On December 16, Ambassador Matthysen, together with Consul Wiezen of the Embassy of Luxembourg, laid a wreath at the Battle of the Bulge Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.

December 20, 2011

Embassy is grateful for support after
shooting incident in Liège, Belgium

This morning a tragic shooting incident took place in the Belgian city of Liège.

A lone gunman opened fire, resulting in the tragic deaths of three innocent bystanders and the wounding of more than 120 others. Several victims remain in critical condition.

Ambassador Jan Matthysen and the staff of the Belgian Embassy are grateful for the comforting expressions of support that have been received throughout the day.

December 13, 2011

BelCham Entrepreneurship Awards

240 guests, including the fine fleur of the local Belgian business community, attended the latest BelCham Entrepreneurship Awards gala ceremony at the Harvard University Club in New York on November 5, 2011. The awards honor both Belgian and U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises in the U.S. market with powerful ventures, business plans and existing or potential success stories.

From left to right: Georges Ugeux, Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Ambassador Jan Matthysen and Mrs. Kneissel, at the 2011 Belcham Entrepreneurship Gala

The Company of the Year Award went to one of Belgium’s favorite bakers in the U.S., Le Pain Quotidien; accepting the award were founder Alain Coumont and CEO Vincent Herbert. Le Pain Quotidien (LPQ) was established in 1990 in Brussels. Nowadays, the company does business in 20 countries, with almost 170 bakery-eateries turning over more than $200 million. The United States has become a major market for LPQ, with 53 restaurants in four cities. New York alone houses 26 LPQ locations as well as the company’s North America headquarters. LPQ is known for using organic ingredients, influencing every part of the company’s business. Like all of the furniture, for instance, the communal table in every restaurant is made from reclaimed wood.

The Most Promising Company of the Year Award went to I-MOVIX, a Belgian company offering market-leading technology in the domain of extreme slow motion.

The other highlight of the evening was the Lifetime Achievement Award awarded to Georges Ugeux, CEO of Galileo Global Advisors. Introduced by his long-time friend and colleague William Kneissel, the Belgian former Executive Vice President of the New York Stock exchange quickly proved, in an acceptance speech full of wit, balance and foresight, why he has been described as one of Belgium’s greatest financiers ever. Accepting the “last award for the first part of his life”, the 66-year-old lawyer and economist delivered a “sharp and blunt” assessment of the current economic woes in the Western World, accompanied by concrete ideas to reduce the current imbalances.

Ambassador Matthysen also tackled festive and serious issues in his remarks, highlighting the wonderful cooperation between US and Belgian companies and federal and regional agencies that had secured the success of the economic mission to the United States led by Prince Philippe last June. He also underlined the challenging bilateral economic issues the Embassy focuses on, such as double taxation issues, U.S export controls, foreign account tax compliance laws, tax deferral for U.S. corporations abroad, trade barriers, and the impact of U.S. innovation, energy and transportation policies, just to name a few.

Having started with an inspiring and passionate plea for entrepreneurship by Belcham’s President Olivier Smekens, the formal part of the evening was concluded by a few humorous remarks by Consul General Herman Portocarero. Then, the music took over, leading to a night of joy, dancing and glamour. Please judge for yourself on www.facebook.com/BelCham.org.

November 22, 2011

PROFESSOR MATTHIAS MATTHIJS RECEIVES FISHER PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE INTEACHING

On November 1, Belgium-born Professor Matthias Matthijs became the 6threcipient of the Fisher Prize for Excellence in Teaching. Named afterthe late industrialist and presidential adviser Max M. Fisher, the prizeis presented at commencement each year to a Johns HopkinsUniversity/SAIS professor selected by the graduating studentsthemselves.

Introducing Prof. Matthijs' "Fisher Lecture," Dean Jessica P. Einhornreminded the audience that he had himself obtained both his MA and PhDfrom Johns Hopkins University and thus already had been with JHU formany years. Born in Eeklo, Belgium, in 1979, Matthias Matthijs is agraduate of the University of Antwerp and, concurrently with his SAISchair, a full-time Assistant Professor of International Politics atAmerican University.

In his very lively presentation, "After the Crisis, the Compromise: ThePolitics of Economic Adjustment," Prof. Matthijs shook up a fewconventional wisdoms and in-fashion economic theories, e.g. thequasi-automatic relation between sovereign debt and financial crises.

Among other surprising statistics, he underlined the fact that the bulkof the increase of the US public debt since 2008 (39.1%) was due to lossof government revenue, with the stimulus plan and the bank bailouts"only" accounting for 4.5% and 3.5% respectively. According to Prof.Matthijs, US tax intake is now at its lowest ever level at 14% of GDP.

November 22, 2011

DISCOVERING BELGIAN ART IN THE MOJAVE DESERT

The privilege of joining an artist residency program in the Red Barn Art Center near Beatty, Nevada, recently proved a very enriching painting experience for an Embassy spouse. And, as experience goes, it also turned out to be a very pleasantly surprising from a Belgian point of view!

"Albert Szulaski's Last Supper, Artist Impression" by S. King

Indeed, the Goldwell Open Air Museum, to which the renovated historic barn belongs, revealed an unexpected story of Belgian art roaming the world. In this tale of boldness and vision, a stretch of Mojave Desert, flanked by the ruins of the ghost town of Rhyolite and the daunting slopes of Death Valley, becomes a haven for modern Flemish creators and plastic artists.

First, at the heart of the Museum's collection is its very first work (and symbol), the monumental installation "The Last Supper" by the late Antwerp artist Albert Szukalski, which hauntingly recreates Leonardo's famous biblical painting in front of arresting views of the Amargosa Valley.

In 1992, Szukalski's thirteen spook-like canvas and plaster biblical silhouettes were joined by two other purpose-sculpted figures by Antwerp artists: "Lady Desert: The Venus of Nevada" by Dr. Hugo Heyrman, and the late Dré Peeters' wood sculpture "Icara". A (thusfar) last work by Belgian sculptor Fred Bervoets, "Tribute to Shorty Harris," with its very un-Nevadian penguin, was added in 1994.

The Goldwell Museum is located near Beatty, only 115 miles north of Las Vegas on Highway 95 (and a little more through the breathtaking roads of Death Valley National Park). The Museum is free and can be visited 24/7; the Visitor Center is open six days a week (but closed on Saturdays).

www.goldwellmuseum.org

pvtimes.com

November 22, 2011

Coming 2 Belgium? An easy introduction to the Belgian social security system

The Belgian government has launched a new, user-friendly, online tool to help people planning to live, work or study in Belgium figure out the Belgian social security rules that apply to them. The new tool, called “Coming2Belgium”, is designed for newcomers to the country as well as for Belgian citizens who return to their own country after a long stay abroad. Professionals, employees, retirees and students can all use the site to get answers to their questions regarding pensions, unemployment benefits, health care, leave policy, child care allowances, long term disability and related matters.

“Coming2Belgium” is available on the Belgian social security portal site www.coming2belgium.be. Users must identify only their nationality, country of origin and employment status and then select the subject of their inquiry from a pull-down list (e.g. child care allowances, pensions, reimbursement of medical expenses, incapacity for work, payment of social contributions, …) to obtain immediate information that applies to their specific situation.

In 2010, a similar tool, in French, Dutch and German, was designed for Belgian citizens planning to leave their country to live, work or study abroad: https://www.socialsecurity.be/CMS/en/leaving_belgium/index.html.

For further information please contact: SPF Sécurité Sociale
Direction Générale Appui Stratégique
Centre Administratif Botanique - Finance Tower
Boulevard du Jardin Botanique 50/135
1000 Brussels

November 17, 2011

NEW YORK MUSEUM FOR AFRICAN ART AND ROYAL MUSEUM FOR CENTRAL AFRICA OF TERVUREN, BELGIUM, SIGN COOPERATION AGREEMENT

On October 21 a wide-ranging agreement between the Museum for African Art (MfAA) and the Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA) was signed at the residence of the Consul general of Belgium in New York.
The museums will collaborate to exchange collections and expertise, to set up joint thematic and traveling exhibitions and to extend their respective missions in education and outreach, including to the African diaspora. RMCA brings to this cooperation one of the world’s most prestigious collections of African art. MfAA’s strengths lie in a flexible and all-encompassing approach to the African continent as a source of pride and beauty. The New York Museum is presently being relocated to its new headquarters, a spacious and prestigious new building on 5th Avenue’s world famous Museum Mile. MfAA is scheduled to open to the public in late 2012.

October 25, 2011

FILMS FROM BELGIUM AT THE EU FILM SHOWCASE

The 24th edition of the European Union Film Showcase will run from November 3 through 22 at the American Film Institute Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Maryland.

To purchase tickets, click Movie Tickets .

There are three films from Belgium in the lineup:

THE KID WITH A BIKE [Le Gamin au Vélo]
Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne’s latest film once again plumbs the lives of the young, vulnerable and dispossessed with uncommon sensitivity and moral rigor. Placed in a group home for children, peppery 11-year-old Cyril (non-pro Thomas Doret) promptly escapes, unwilling to accept that his deadbeat dad (former Dardenne discovery Jérémie Renier) has abandoned him. Rebuffed by his father, the distraught Cyril is taken in by concerned passerby Samantha (Cécile de France), who in time becomes his foster guardian. Samantha’s good heart could make a world of difference in Cyril’s life, but the troubled young boy still has demons to deal with. Grand Prize, 2011 Cannes Film Festival; Official Selection, 2011 Karlovy Vary, Telluride, New York Film Festivals. DIR/SCR/PROD Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne; PROD Denis Freyd. Belgium/France/Italy, 2011, color, 87 min. In French with English subtitles. NOT RATED
Sun, Nov 6, 3:45; Tue, Nov 8, 7:00

“A joyous heartwarmer with an endearing Mark Twain meets Ken Loach vibe.”— Screen International THE GIANTS [Les Géants]
Actor Bouli Lanners demonstrates great warmth and humor as a writer/director with this follow-up to his acclaimed ELDORADO (2008 AFI European Union Film Showcase). Abandoned by their troubled mother at their late grandfather’s house in the country, teen brothers Seth and Zak, along with their new ne’er-do-well friend Danny, set about enjoying a summer of mischief. But as their circumstances comically go from bad to worse, the boys learn that they have no one to depend on but themselves. The beautiful woodland lake locations were shot in Luxembourg; the freak-folk soundtrack is by The Bony King of Nowhere. Best French Language Film and the Art Cinema Prize, 2011 Directors Fortnight, Cannes Film Festival. DIR/SCR Bouli Lanners; SCR Elise Ancion; PROD Jacques-Henri Bronckart, Jani Thiltges. Belgium/France/Luxembourg, 2011, color, 84 min. In French with English subtitles. NOT RATED
Sat, Nov 12, 1:00; Mon, Nov 14, 7:10

2011 Oscar Submission, Belgium
BULLHEAD [Rundskop] This gritty, gonzo and stylish thriller, the debut feature from writer/director Michael R. Roskam, heralds an important new filmmaking talent to watch. An unlikely setting for organized crime, the farmlands of Flanders, and an unusually sympathetic villain—a cattle farmer (seriously beefed-up Matthias Schoenaerts, alternately sensitive and psychotic in a career-making performance) who deals in black market bovine growth hormone, abuses steroids and has a most unusual skeleton in his closet—make for a fascinating genre mashup: a crime thriller with quirky humor, harrowing suspense and elements of “Frankenstein” and “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” An English-language remake is in the works. DIR/SCR Michael R. Roskam; PROD Bart Van Langendonck. Belgium, 2011, color, 124 min. In Dutch and French with English subtitles. NOT RATED
Wed, Nov 16, 6:30; Sat, Nov 19, 9:30

October 25, 2011

MUSICAL PENGUINS FROM BELGIUM AT KIDS EURO FESTIVAL

Belgium’s Théâtre Maât will be coming to Washington, DC, in early November to perform in the fourth edition of the Kids Euro Festival. Please bring your children and join us in welcoming this talented troupe from Brussels at a free performance at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage on Tuesday, November 8 at 6 p.m.
No reservations are necessary.

Banquise / Ice Floe
Music / Theater (without words)
Age: 3-8 47 minutes
Matthieu Moureau ("Paxo" - saxophone)
Julien de Borman ("Paccor" - accordion)
Hélène Blesch ("Piole" - cello)
Hadi El Gammal ("Anton Pravitch")
www.theatremaat.com

Take an imaginary Arctic expedition — and discover some fun! On this wacky — and melting — glacier, you'll meet the most musical group of penguins you've ever seen. Paxo, Paccor, and Piole all perform for a circus in the Great North, where Anton Pravitch, their caretaker, thinks he’s the one in charge. Both humorous and moving, Banquise (Ice Floe) will make you laugh — and think.

October 21, 2011

Minister Vanackere on the release of Gilad Shalit

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Steven Vanackere is delighted with the release of Gilad Shalit. After more than five years in captivity, there is now an end in sight to the extremely testing time that Gilad Shalit and his family have had to endure.

Minister Vanackere is pleased that, after so many years, the international call to release Gilad Shalit has finally been answered. His imprisonment was always in clear contravention of the Geneva Conventions: “Together with my European colleagues, I have called for the immediate release of Gilad Shalit on many occasions. Bilateral contacts have also been maintained, including at ministerial level, with the Shalit family in order to offer Belgium’s support and sympathy.”

The Minister took this occasion to draw attention to the daily conditions and the rights of Palestinian prisoners in Israel, some of whom are minors. Israel will now release over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, but there remain many thousands more in Israeli prisons.

At all times, and in all circumstances, the respect for international human rights is of the utmost importance.

Minister Vanackere also stresses the great importance of talks between Israel and the Palestinians being rapidly resumed, as this is the only way in which a lasting solution to the conflict can be reached. “Violence merely generates more violence. So my appreciation goes out to those who work tirelessly towards a peaceful, non-violent solution.”

October 19, 2011

Dutch Classes 2011

Learning new languages can be a fascinating way to discover other cultures and open your viewpoint to the world. Belgium has three official languages: French, Dutch and German. English is taught from early on in school. That is why many Belgians can easily make conversation in 3 or 4 languages. Are you interested in learning one of our official languages?

For those interested in learning French or German, the Alliance Française (www.francedc.org/en/Classes ) and the Goethe Institute (www.goethe.de/ins/us/was/lrn/enindex.htm) are among the options.

For those interested in learning Dutch, the Embassy of Belgium is pleased to announce the continuation of its Dutch language courses. Classes are open to all interested persons, age 16 or older, and take place at the embassy. Groups are formed according to proficiency and no prior knowledge of Dutch is required to enroll at the beginners’ level. Classes at each level are scheduled on weekday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and meet once a week for 26 weeks.

Don’t miss your chance to learn more about the course by taking a look at the enclosed information form (in PDF or MS Word format) in order to register, please return the enclosed registration form (again, available in PDF and MS Word format).

September 02, 2011

President Carter Receives high Belgian honorary distinction

On Tuesday, October 4th, President James Earl ‘Jimmy’ Carter received the Belgian Grand Cross in the Order of the Crown in recognition of his numerous and excellent efforts in waging peace, fighting disease and building hope.

Prime Minister Yves Leterme lauded President Carter for being “a fighter for peace, and successfully so, not only during his presidency but long afterwards.” The Prime Minister cited examples both during and after the Carter presidency. He talked about the success of President Cater in brokering a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt that still stands as a model today, and talked at length about several successes of the Carter Center. This Center was founded by the President and his wife Rosalynn in order to advance peace and health worldwide. The Belgian government supports the Carter Center in this endeavor, resulting in an excellent cooperation between both in countries such as Nepal, Tunisia and Congo.

Prime Minister Leterme offered the decoration “In the name of the countless people who benefit from the Carter Center’s support.”

October 11, 2011

The PBS History Detectives Follow Clues to Belgian Embassy in DC

It all started with a California man who found an ornate medal in an embossed red box while cleaning out the garage after his father’s death. Along with the medal he found a photograph of his father, Joseph Goularte, at an award ceremony in February, 1951 with a caption explaining the Belgian government bestowed upon him the "Order of Leopold." His father seldom talked about his military service. The Belgian government awards this honor for extreme bravery or meritorious service. George Patton and Dwight Eisenhower have a Leopold Cross. What did this soldier do to earn this decoration?

History Detectives host Gwendolyn Wright resolves to find the answer and interviews Joris Totté, First Secretary Press and Public Affairs at the Embassy of Belgium. With the help of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brussels, he provides key information that solves the mystery surrounding this medal.

This episode episode of History Detectives aired on most PBS stations on Tuesday, September 20. To see it online, click here: www.pbs.org

October 7, 2011

Belgium and the United States Sign Agreement to Prevent and Combat Serious Crime

On Tuesday September 20th, Belgian Minister of Justice Stefaan De Clerck and Minister of Interior Annemie Turtelboom were joined by U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder to sign an agreement on Preventing and Combating Serious Crime (PCSC), which will allow for the exchange of biometric and biographic data of suspected criminals between the United States and Belgium to bolster counterterrorism and law enforcement efforts while protecting individual privacy.

Under the agreement, Belgium and the United States will leverage state-of-the-art technology to share law enforcement data, including fingerprints, to better identify known terrorist and criminals during investigations and other law enforcement activities. The agreement authorizes the use of specific mechanisms for sharing vital information to help prevent serious threats to public security, and requires measures to ensure the protection and privacy of citizens in both countries. In fact, the PCSC contains numerous provisions pertaining to the handling, sharing, and retention of relevant data, all designed to ensure privacy and data protection.

This agreement is one of many examples of the strong bilateral ties between Belgium and the United States of America.

September 26, 2011

The Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF) Fellowships

The Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF) encourages applications for fellowships for advanced study or research during the academic year 2012-2013, at a Belgian University or institution of higher learning.

The BAEF will award up to eight fellowships each carrying a stipend of $25,000 for oneyear.

If the fellow chooses to remain less than the full 12 months, the stipend will be prorated accordingly. The fellowship period must be at least 6 months.

In addition to the stipend, the Foundation will provide health insurance. No other supplements can be expected.

Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

Applicants must:

● either be registered in a graduate program towards a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in the United States,
● or register in a graduate program in Belgium,
● or hold a Master’s, Ph.D., or equivalent degree.

Preference is given to applicants under the age of 30 with some knowledge of Dutch, French, or German.

Applicants should make their own arrangements to register or affiliate with a Belgian University or research institution. BAEF Fellows must reside in Belgium during the tenure of their fellowship.

In addition to the application form, applicants must furnish 3 letters of recommendation, a letter of nomination from the Dean of his or her U.S. school if applicable, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, a brief biographical statement, and a statement of purpose.

Application forms can be downloaded from the BAEF website at: www.baef.us

For application blanks or additional information contact the Foundation at the above address or email: emile.boulpaep@yale.edu

Completed applications for 2012-2013 fellowships are due no later than October 31, 2011.

September 23, 2011

Opening of the exhibition of the Pastrana Tapestries
at the National Gallery of Art

On Sunday September 18th, the exhibition The Invention of Glory: Afonso V and the Pastrana Tapestries will open to the general public at the National Gallery of Art.

The Pastrana Tapestries—four monumental works of art on loan from the Collegiate Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Pastrana, Spain—are among the finest Gothic tapestries in existence. This exhibition represents the first time the set will be on view in the United States. Depicting the conquest in 1471 of two strategically located Moroccan cities by the King of Portugal, Afonso V, the tapestries are highly unusual in portraying contemporary events. Exquisitely rendered in wool and silk threads by Flemish weavers in Tournai, Belgium, the recently restored works teem with colorful images of knights, ships, and military paraphernalia set against backdrops of maritime and urban landscapes.

The exhibition is organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, and the Fundación Carlos de Amberes, Madrid, in association with the Embassy of Spain, the Spain-USA Foundation, the Embassy of Portugal and the Embassy of Belgium and with the cooperation of the Embassy of Morocco in Washington, DC, as well as the Diocese of Sigüenza-Guadalajara and Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Pastrana, Spain.

The exhibition is made possible through the generous support of the government of Spain; the government of Portugal, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Instituto Camões; and the government of Belgium, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In 2008 the tapestries were sent to Belgium, where they originally had been woven more than five centuries earlier, for conservation treatment by the Royal Manufacturers De Wit in Mechlin.

The conservation of the tapestries was undertaken at the initiative of the Fundación Carlos de Amberes, with support from the Belgian InBev-Baillet Latour Fund, and the following Spanish institutions: Fundación Caja Madrid, Region of Castilla—La Mancha, Provincial Council of Guadalajara, and Diocese of Sigüenza-Guadalajara and Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Pastrana. The conservation of the tapestries received the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards 2011.

During the opening reception and press preview on September 13th, Belgian ambassador Jan Matthysen said “to be struck by the aesthetical beauty of the tapestries”. About the restoration and the contribution made by Belgian multinational Inbev, ambassador Matthysen said that “skills go in different directions, but excellence and savoir-faire is always there”.

After Washington, The Invention of Glory: Afonso V and the Pastrana Tapestries will be on view at the Meadows Museum, Dallas, Texas (February 5–May 13, 2012); the San Diego Museum of Art (June 10–September 9, 2012); and the Indianapolis Museum of Art (October 5, 2012–January 6, 2013).

September 16, 2011

BELGIUM WINS “BEST INTERNATIONAL TEAM” TROPHY AT AIR FORCE RODEO

A team of the Belgian Air Force’s 15th Transport Wing, flying a Lockheed C-130H Hercules aircraft, participated in the International Air Mobility Rodeo which took place from July 24 to 29 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State. The rodeo is a “readiness competition” that tests the flight and ground skills of aircrews as well as the related skills of special tactics, security forces, aerial port operations, aero-medical evacuation and maintenance team members. According the U.S. Air Force, more than 150 teams and 3,000 people participated. Other foreign competitors included Air Forces from the Netherlands, Pakistan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Sweden; in addition, some twenty other countries sent observers. At the July 29 closing ceremony that capped the five-day competition, Belgium was named “Best International Team” at USAF Rodeo 2011.

August 18, 2011

No White House Tours during the months of August and September.

On July 26th, due to technical problems in the White House Tours New Automated System, several Belgian citizens who had applied for a tour of the White House were denied entry.

The office of Protocol of state Department “would like to sincerely apologize to all the Embassies who requested tours and had their guests turned away because of a glitch in the system. We want you to know that we are truly sorry for the inconvenience and frustration this may have caused.” The State department also informed the embassy that “the system must operate smoothly in order for us to move forward, and therefore there will be NO TOURS FOR THE MONTHS OF AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER.”

The Belgian embassy therefore cannot accept any more tour requests until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience. Any updates or changes will be posted on the website of the embassy.

July 27, 2011

Belgium strengthens its ties with the USA

At the end of June, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde of Belgium led a Belgian economic mission to the USA. The objective was to highlight the extraordinary opportunities for investment, trade and innovation offered by Belgium’s dynamic economy. Over nine days, the delegation visited New York, Washington DC and Boston.

Numerous seminars, visits and networking events were organized as part of this mission. For example, the Belgian delegation visited the headquarters of Johnson & Johnson and IBM. HRH Prince Philippe opened the Belgian pavilion at the International Biotechnology Industry Convention and presided over the signing of numerous cooperation agreements between Belgian and US companies or institutions, notably between:

In addition to the purely economic aspects, the mission was also aimed at highlighting themes of a more social nature such as child literacy, the fight against cancer, poverty eradication, philanthropy and culture. It was in this context that HRH Princess Mathilde participated in events on microfinance and social entrepreneurship. The Princess visited a home run by the Little Sisters of the Poor and attended a meeting of the Council of Women World Leaders, during which she gave a very committed speech on combating violence against women.

This visit was also the perfect opportunity to emphasise the ties of friendship and solidarity which exist between the USA and Belgium. TRH Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde spent a few moments of silence at Arlington National Cemetery, where the bodies of many American soldiers killed in Belgium, most notably at the Battle of the Ardennes, are buried. The Royal couple also visited the site of Ground Zero to pay their respects to the innocent victims of 11 September 2001.

Finally, there was also a political component to the mission, with Minister Vanackere making great use of the occasion to hold talks with Mr Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, in New York. The dramatic situations in Syria and Libya and the measures needed to respond to them, the prospect of elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Middle-East peace process all featured prominently on the agenda. In the US capital, Minister Vanackere held talks with Mr Joe Biden, Vice President of the United States, and conducted high-level meetings with Congress - Republican Senator John McCain and Democrat Senator John Kerry - and the Department of State. Among other topics, these talks centred on the “Arab Spring” and in particular on the ongoing Syrian crisis.

You can find a complete account of the mission at belgianeconomicmissiontous.tumblr.com or www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Embassy-of-Belgium-in-Washington-DC

July 27, 2011

The Challenges of a Common European Foreign policy

On June 27th, Vice Prime-Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, Steven Vanckere, was invited to share his views on Common European Foreign Policy at the European Institute in Washington DC. You can read his full speech below.

Mr. Steven Vanackere, Vice-Prime Minister and
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium
European Institute Washington D.C.

JuNE 27, 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends,

In a few days, millions of people in this city and throughout the country will again celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and thus commemorate the decisive role of the Founding Fathers in creating and shaping the United States of America.

Although Europe has no “Declaration of Independence”, we sometimes tend to forget that the European Union has also her own founding fathers. Eminent politicians such as Adenauer, Schuman and Monet created a framework for peace and cooperation in a continent with a history of wars and made it possible for the EU to become a major world power and a force to be reckoned with in the trade, economic, monetary… and yes, also in the political field. Thanks to their efforts integration of Europe has come a long way. It has been a rich and unique experience. The horror of continental wars brought our founding fathers to believe that the integration of Europe was an end in itself to ensure systemic peace on the European continent. Their strategy was to irreversibly interlock Nation-States in a network of institutions, and to let them give up parts of their sovereignty. Europe’s Single Market and its Single currency are the major achievements of this strategy.

We have now integrated Nation-States in a collective system of governance, but without a Government. Europe is no longer a patchwork of fully sovereign states. Yet it has also not become a single Federal State. Over decades, and by sometimes small, sometimes big steps, sometimes by design, but very often through reaction on “events” , Europe has devised a hybrid system in which, side-by-side, supranational European institutions exert federal powers and produce legislation in the field of monetary policy, agriculture or trade while 27 nation-states continue to exert national powers in the field of defense, fiscal policy or justice. And even where those 27 Nation-states still hold full sovereignty, they intensively coordinate their sovereign policies with each other. Thus, I meet every month with my 26 fellow colleagues, under chairmanship of Cathy Ashton to coordinate our policies. In other words, today in Europe, there is hardly a field of policy-making where Nation-States are not bound by European legislation or where they do not seek synergies through coordination.

For Americans, no doubt, a complex story ! Yet integration will undoubtedly continue, while serving other purposes. Globalization has become the main drive for further integration.

Globalization is shaking-up the balance of power. The powerhouse of the global economy is moving to Asia where our new export strategies need increased market access. And the share of power in the governance of world affairs needs an overhaul. Our individual Nation States may have an opinion, but they have not such a strong voice in this process. Only collectively and through the Union can they exert leverage. Today Europe’s leaders work with the Union as the best external protection shield against global disruptions. And facing sovereign debt crises, they also turned Europe’s institutions into their internal platform for stronger surveillance of fiscal discipline and tightened coordination of structural reform. This was not the plan. It is an enforced process of improvement, resulting from unpredictable developments.

This brings me now to our main topic : Europe’s Foreign Policy. The complex model of hybrid governance, by which supranational institutions and nation-states exert powers side-by-side complementarily, also applies here. The new institutional arrangements flowing from the Lisbon treaty should produce more synergy between the Foreign policies of Europe’s Nation-states and institutions. But make no mistake : national foreign policies will not cease to exist. European States still hold their sovereignty on making war and peace. The thousands of diplomatic staff of the 27 European nations working in Embassies or Delegations remain civil servants of their own governments. The millions of European men and women under arms still obey to national commanders. Decision-making allowing the Union to deploy diplomatic or military action remains under tight control of the 27 Member States, deciding in each case by unanimity. One veto can suffice to block the European Union from action. If for example four Member States refuse to recognize Kosovo, the Union cannot develop treaties and normal diplomatic relations with Kosovo.

While most of the tools for action in diplomacy or crisis-management thus rest in the hands of 27 Nations, we have however created a European External Action Service under leadership of Cathy Ashton, Europe’s Foreign Policy supremo. This is a unique, hybrid diplomatic service where civil servants from the Institutions and diplomats from the 27 Member States will work side by side. Financial means of the Union and national diplomatic know-how are brought together in this diplomatic Service in Brussels and all over the world, in EU delegations.

Here again, Europe’s undertaking is unique ! This new Service should fuse different business cultures and breed a common strategic culture for the 21st Century. Europe has a wide array of know-how and capabilities. European Institutions have expertise in institution-and capacity building, in infusing change by norms and standards. This “soft power” is dense and broad, but often lacks a sense of political interest, short term output, and convergence with actions and strategies of the 27 nation-states. Put bluntly : it is too often a “checkbook diplomacy” lacking punch or muscle. Nation-States have political interests, expertise in diplomatic action and crisis-management. But their “hard power” is fragmented, and is rapidly dwindling by lack of investments and economies of scale. It no longer matches with global challenges. Last but not least, we do not, today, tap full potential from the rich diversity of strategic cultures of our 27 Nation-States. Our nations have historic relations and incomparable expertise with all corners of the planet. Spain and Portugal have a dense network with South America. Belgium, Portugal, France and the United Kingdom have strong bonds with most of the African nations. Our new Member States bring formidable expertise on Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and even Central Asia.

Bringing this diversity and divergence to synthesis and a common strategic culture is now the challenge for Europe’s new External Action Service. In a few years time, the expected result would be that Europe’s External Action Service will better tie-in all different strands of Europe’s foreign policy making and develop a common platform for coordination with Europe’s Nation-states on diplomatic action and crisis-management. A particular challenge will also be to “externalize” what we do in common internally: migration, policies against global warming, defending the Single Market through our common trade policy, developing a genuine “energy diplomacy”. All this adds up to the tasks.

But improving soft power, stemming the decline of hard power and fusing diversity to breed a unique European strategic culture can of course not be the job of just the European External Action Service.

What about our attitudes and willingness to deliver ? I spoke about a shift in paradigm in the field of economic governance. Leaders are clearly looking at the Union as an external shield against globalization and the internal platform for strengthening fiscal discipline and structural reforms.

Is a similar shift of paradigm taking place on the Foreign Policy front ? I say yes, even though our External Action is still in its infancy. It is probably right to compare Europe’s Foreign policy with where our Monetary policies stood before we took the first steps in launching the Euro, almost twenty years ago.

In the nineties, the irruption of wars in the Balkans left Europe’s national diplomacies in disarray. We neither had capability nor resolve to bring destruction to a hold. On the European continent, crisis-management by Nation States seemed to have gone bankrupt. America’s diplomacy jumped in and brought war to an end. Would we now fare better ? Well, at least we learned that we are doomed to fail further if we do not act together through the Union.

Thus, twelve years ago, we appointed our first High Representative, Javier Solana, who was asked to develop our “Common Foreign and Security Policy”. Only eight years ago, the Union embarked in crisis management, with its first military and civilian operations in 2003. Since then, Member states have deployed tens of thousands of military and civilian personnel under Command of the European Union. Today, collective action of the Union brought sounding success in many places on earth. In Aceh – Indonesia, the Union deployed a civilian mission to frame the implementation of a peace agreement between separatist rebels and Jakarta. Today, a huge success just known by few. Military action in the Congo, Chad, or Bosnia and a robust civilian operation in Kosovo are other successful examples of our new policies. Or say, tough collective sanctions on Iran, joint diplomatic demarches to avoid Serbia getting entangled in a negative process with Kosovo and the Union, our present maritime operation Atalanta in the fight against piracy along the coasts of Somalia: just to name other examples of success…

For sure, when we compare the present output of Europe’s collective action with the output of America’s foreign policy, our results may look meager. But what we do is just brand new. And we are indeed forced to make a long detour by a shift of attitude before we come to a shift in result. So dear Friends, yes we experience a shift of paradigm in Foreign Policy. European nations failed by acting individually and therefore decided to invest their future capital in acting collectively.

Of course, we still have a lot to improve, and of course we still will lose a lot of energy with institutional wrangling in Brussels, with a mismatch of ambitions between Nation States and European Institutions or with diverging conduct for the coming years. It will still take time to overcome those remaining problems of our infant Foreign Policy. Meanwhile, other challenges around us are huge.

The Arab Spring or Awakening brings enormous opportunities for improved relations between Europe and the young societies on the southern Mediterranean. We are asked to invent a policy mix of short term action and crisis-management and longer term promotion of what Cathy Ashton calls “deeper democracy”. We are in the most challenging scenarios in our direct neighborhood since the collapse of states in the Balkans. But I dare say this time we display more resolve. European nations have taken the lead in negotiating a mandate in the Security Council and in running consequently the military operation against Kadhafi. Cathy Ashton is leading intense consultations with the new leaders in both Egypt and Tunisia. The Middle East Peace Process definitively needs to be reactivated and Europe should, in my eyes, take bold initiatives to avoid the deadlock to which inaction, cynic calculations or unilateral initiatives may lead. But Europe also needs to be more assertive with strategic partners, including the BRICS countries. Europe’s influence in the G20 – take the example of our push for regulation of the global financial sector – is not bad at all.

Dear friends,

To conclude, I will make some last remarks on what I think are other key issues for us to succeed in the coming years :

First, European Nations and Institutions need to accept a real shift in attitude. This applies as much for within the Institutions in Brussels, where turf battles draw away attention and energy from the key task, which is to make Cathy Ashton and the Service succeed. It basically means work with one another, and not along or even against one another (new multilateralism).

Second, even if we cannot as from now always act together, we must at least find ways to read events together. In the coming months and years, we must start reading from one book on, say, the BRICS, the G20 or on Multilateral Organizations. We then have to define common strategies. The European External Action Service should bring to daylight these common textbooks.

Third, we have to provide adequate funding for Europe’s foreign policy. Presently, the European institutions run yearly an 8 billion Euro (11,5 billion USD) budget, which is roughly just four times the budget Belgium has at its disposal for Foreign policy, development cooperation and defense. It is not all about money of course, it is also about a better use of funds, rapid disbursements and special financial instruments for crisis management and deployment of civilian missions.

Fourth, we must improve the state of our rapid response and “hard power” capabilities. We have more soldiers than America, yet the quality of their equipment is not on pair, mainly due to a total fragmentation amongst Nations. We do not need more budget for the military, our fiscal pains do not allow for this, but should integrate our efforts. The same goes for Europe’s response capacity to natural and manmade disasters. Belgium has always advocated a European Disaster Response capability. The devastating earthquake in Haïti, the flooding in Pakistan, the tsunami in Japan all indicate that Europe will need better response capabilities on the domestic front, but also to provide efficient help on the world stage.

This, dear ladies and gentlemen, is basically what I had to say today. Belgium is extremely keen on having a strong foreign policy for the Union. The hybrid governance of this policy, bringing our Nations and Institutions to synergy, is a unique answer to the main challenges for the 21st Century. I therefore have tasked my staff to stay closely involved in discussions on building up the External Action Service and asked them to present, with our colleagues from Luxembourg and the Netherlands, some ideas on how we see this happen. This Benelux non-paper is presently being discussed within the European Union.

But my last word goes to the American friends in the audience. Europe rose from the ashes after the Second World War thanks to the generosity of your ancestors. Your Presidents all have advocated a stable, united European Union. We do have a common destiny and common responsibilities. A strong Foreign Policy is the best the European Union could offer to America, as the future challenges will more than ever request us to be united in our response.

I thank you for your attention.

July 11, 2011

Olivier Chastel congratulates Dr. Denis Mukwege, winner of the King Baudouin Prize

The Minister for Development Cooperation, Olivier Chastel, congratulates Dr. Denis Mukwege, who was awarded the King Baudouin International Development Prize on Tuesday. Olivier Chastel wishes to specifically thank him for his major contribution to development in the Democratic Republic of Congo and expresses his admiration of Dr. Mukwege’s fight against sexual violence against women in this region.

The King Baudouin International Development Prize aims to acknowledge the work of persons or organizations which have made a substantial contribution to the development of countries in the southern hemisphere or to solidarity between industrialized nations and developing nations. It also seeks to remind public opinion that the problems of development are today even more acute than when they gradually emerged in the collective awareness of nations in the aftermath of the Second World War.

“It is a privilege and an honor for me to be receiving the King Baudouin International Development Prize. Most importantly, I am grateful for the opportunity to reiterate the critical need for all of us to take action for women in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We cannot risk being silent on this grave injustice – destroying women means destroying life,” said Dr. Mukwege.

Established in 1978 and worth 150,000 euros, the King Baudouin International Development Prize is awarded every other year by the King Baudouin Foundation. Beyond its actual financial value, the Prize provides winners international visibility and publicity, with the main agents of development in particular, such as the United Nations and its specialised agencies, the World Bank, the European Union and a number of bilateral development agencies, the world of foundations or international NGOs.

“Belgium has been playing a mobilising and pioneering role in the fight against sexual violence in the RDC by supporting the programme jointly managed by three UN agencies: the Population Fund, UNICEF and the High Commission for Human Rights. Our country is continuing to provide support to the harmonised approach coordinated by the Congolese government in order to provide, in the framework of the STAREC (the stabilisation and reconstruction plan for the eastern DRC), a global response to the medical, psychosocial and legal needs of the victims of sexual violence, who also need to be re-integrated into society at a socio-economic level,” Olivier Chastel explains.

June 05, 2011

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