Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in Canberra

Innovation knows no borders. Belgium strongly supports international collaboration in research and innovation through the EU’s flagship programme, Horizon Europe. We are delighted to see Australia join the programme and look forward to closer cooperation in research and innovation.
🔬 Let’s connect researchers, innovators, and institutions across continents.

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Welcome to the Horizon family, Australia!

From 2027, European and Australian researchers will be closer than ever.

Australian researchers and organisations can:
✅ Take part in Horizon Europe projects
✅ Join and lead collaborative research teams
✅ Work alongside partners from across Europe

From climate action and clean energy to health and digital innovation, new opportunities for collaboration are on the horizon.

Research knows no borders.

Are you tuning in to the Fifa World Cup 2026?? ⚽️⚽️⚽️

We are so excited to support the Red Devils against New Zealand. Come and join us!

🕐 12:30pm for a 1pm kick off on Saturday, 27 June 2036
📍 The Dock, Kingston

Registration is essential! Country colours are highly recommended 🇧🇪🇧🇪🇧🇪
https://events.humanitix.com/world-cup-group-g

We look forward to seeing you there 🙌🙌🙌

From Belgium to Australia
Tomorrowland’s celebrated CORE stage arrives in Melbourne in November 2026, showcasing the creativity and artistic vision of Belgium on an international stage.
A unique fusion of music, nature and design—illustrating how culture connects communities across continents.
Learn more: https://www.core.world/events/core-melbourne

CORE Melbourne | CORE.world CORE is heading ‘Down Under’ for the first time with its debut in Melbourne, Australia on Saturday, November 28. CORE Melbourne will capture the essence of the brand: the finest music in a natural, enchanting setting. Line-up and ticket details for CORE Melbourne will be revealed in early 2026.

🌊 On World Ocean Day, Belgium reaffirms its strong commitment to protecting and restoring our ocean.
Belgium acts every day — from the North Sea to the global stage. Recent initiatives have brought together policymakers, scientists and businesses to accelerate marine restoration and advance sustainable ocean use.
🐋 Internationally, Belgium continues to promote stronger ocean governance and the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, while supporting key UN processes leading up to 2027.
👉 From local action to multilateral engagement, Belgium is stepping up to protect our ocean — vital for our planet, our climate and our future.
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Another busy month for Ambassador Stouthuysen! 🌟🌟🌟

May wasn’t only about the Belgian Australian Excellence Awards - His Excellency also took the time to travel to Brisbane and Gold Coast.

First up, an official visit with QLD officials - the Ambassador was joined by Honorary Consul for Queensland, Gunther de Graeve and AWEX Trade Commissioner, Vincent Swinnen. They spent a day with ministers, speakers and Trade and Investment QLD.

Next up, a company visit to Bundaberg Sugar and BESIX Watpac.

Then, His Excellency travelled to the Gold Coast to celebrate with Madocke Beer Brewing Company as they opened their new Belgian style kitchen. He also has the opportunity to visit Odoo while in the area.

All before making it back in time to host the Awards Ceremony!

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What a week in Auckland! 🌏

Consul Vivien Sierens and his dedicated team brought our Belgian consular services to New Zealand, organising a biometric mission for 120 people — processing passports and identity cards on-site.

Along the way, they paid a visit to VFS Global, our visa partner.

They ended the mission the Belgian way: with a well-deserved 🍺 at a Belgian bar with participants to the mission!

Proud of our team's commitment to serving Belgians abroad. See you next time, Auckland! 👋

🎉 Meet the Finalists of the 2026 Belgian-Australian Excellence Awards!

With over 3,600 votes cast, the public have had their say! We are proud to reveal the finalists across our six award categories.

👉 See the full list here: https://lnkd.in/geyKAszN
Or check them out on the LCA News website.

The jury is now in their final voting phase with the winners to be announced on 21 May 2026 at the Embassy of Belgium in Australia in Canberra. A night not to miss!

In and amongst the excitement of last week, we also had to say goodbye to Malika!

Malika spent three months working with us, supporting DHoM Julien Lecomte and our whole team across meetings, reports and public diplomacy. We wish her the very best in her exams and dissertation, and we hope to see her again soon.

Goodbye Malika! 💐

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🌟 That’s a Wrap! 🌟

Huge, huge thank you to everyone for our very first Belgian Australian Excellence Awards - organised by LCA News and hosted at the Residence of Belgium last night.

Ambassador Stouthuysen was delighted to welcome our nominees, sponsors, jury members and Belgian community to celebrate with us.

Our 2026 Winners:

🎨 Arts, Culture and Community - Ms. Tineke Van der Eecken

🧑‍🍳 Culinary and Gastronomy - Mr. Filip Tibos

💡 Entrepreneurship and Innovation - Mr. Jimmy Van Eetvelde

🌿 Environment and Sustainability - Dr. Antonin Demazy de Fortet

🔬 STEM, Research and Academia - Dr. Florence Gabriel

📈 High Impact Corporate - Ms. Krista Baetens

Congratulations to our winners, finalists and nominees! 🌟

A special thank you to our Sponsors - Bilateral Solutions, Odoo, Sofico, Puratos, UCB Australia and Vranken-Pommery!

We will post more photos in the next week so keep an eye out

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20 May 2026 is World Bee Day!

The Embassy of Belgium is still passionate about Saving the Bees and celebrating all their hard work! 🐝🐝🐝

While we are not hosting the be.Fair this year, we are working hard on some very exciting other projects. Watch this space to see what we have been getting up to!

Happy Bee Day everyone 💛💛💛