Embassy of Belgium in the UK

🇧🇪 Each week, our colleagues from share the latest Belgian news.

In this week's edition:

1️⃣ Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges rank among the top 60 cities in the Happy City Index, an international ranking that assesses urban quality of life. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/.../three-belgian-cities-among... © Pixabay
2️⃣The tech scene in Ghent is booming. So much so that the city is the fourth biggest tech city in Europe, and the tenth in the world. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/.../ghent-10th-biggest-tech... © Pixabay
3️⃣ AnyShape, a Belgian company specialised in additive manufacturing, has been selected to play an important role in the Eurodrone programme. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/.../walloon-company-lands-major... © Pexels
4️⃣ The university of Leuven have cut the ribbon on their brand-new greenhouse that has all the bells and whistles needed for a sustainable functioning. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/.../all-new-fossil-free... © KU Leuven, Rob Stevens
5️⃣ Belgium’s Lucas Coenen claimed victory in the seventh round of the Motocross World Championship in the prestigious MXGP category. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/.../motocross-lucas-coenen-wins... © Pexels

🌈As Pride Month begins in the UK, we reaffirm Belgium’s commitment to equality, inclusion, and human rights.

We are proud to stand for LGBTQ+ rights; values that guide both our work and our community.

Within our Embassy, this commitment is reflected in our people: from leadership to colleagues actively engaged in LGBTQ+ initiatives and networks. Together, we strive to create an environment where diversity is respected and supported.

We also recognise that speaking up is only the first step. There is more work ahead, and we remain committed to continuous progress.
Our Embassy will always be a safe and inclusive space for all.🌈

Double the degrees, double the congratulations! 🎓👏
Two years after graduating from Oxford, Princess Elisabeth has officially graduated from Harvard University yesterday. What an incredible achievement and a testament to her hard work.

Wishing the future Queen of Belgium a massive congratulations! 👑🇧🇪

📸:

🌻Please note that the Embassy will be closed on Monday 25/05.
We will resume normal services on Tuesday 26/05.

Wishing you all a sunny May bank holiday! ☀️

🇧🇪 Each week, our colleagues from share the latest Belgian news.

In this week’s Bank Holiday Edition ☀️

1️⃣ After her world crown in 2025, the young Belgian has seized the European title and confirmed that she truly is the world’s number one in taekwondo.
🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/sport/taekwondo-sarah-chaari-claims-third-european-title ©Association belge francophone de taekwondo

2️⃣Steven Lowette, a physics professor from the University of Brussels (VUB) will take on an important role at CERN, the site of the Large Hadron Collider.
🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/science/belgian-professor-gets-important-role-cern ©Pixabay

3️⃣ As the FIFA world cup is fast approaching, Belgian national team manager Rudy Garcia has announced his selection.
🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/sport/these-red-devils-will-conquer-world-cup-summer ©Pixabay

4️⃣ Researchers from the University of Leuven have discovered a protein that can predict a relapse in Crohn’s disease after an operation.
🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/science/crohns-disease-breakthrough-ku-leuven-researchers ©Pexels

5️⃣ Enjoy a drink high above the city, eyes fixed on the capital, while spending a great moment on Brussels’ most beautiful rooftops — including the largest in Europe.
🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/lifestyle/europes-largest-rooftop ©Pexels

🏆Congratulations, Aston Villa!

For the first time in 30 years, Aston Villa lift the Europa Cup again… and what a night it was 🔥!

🇧🇪 A special moment of pride: one of the three goals came from Youri Tielemans, captain of the Belgian national team. What a performance! 👏🏽

A historic victory for the club, the fans, and Belgian football!

📸

On Sunday 17 May, our Defence Attaché, Colonel Van Belle, attended the Annual Service of Commemoration at the Air Forces Memorial in Runnymede, representing the Belgian Embassy and laying a wreath in honour of the fallen 🥀

The service was held to remember the men and women of the Commonwealth Air Forces who served during the Second World War, gave their lives, and have no known grave. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication remain an enduring source of inspiration.

At the close of the service, representatives of Commonwealth nations paid their respects at the Stone of Remembrance. A powerful moment of reflection and gratitude.

We stand united in remembrance, giving thanks for their service, drawing strength from their example, and renewing our commitment to honour their legacy.

🌈 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐚, 𝐁𝐢𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐚, 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐚 & 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐚 (𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐇𝐎𝐁𝐈𝐓) 🌈

Today, we stand together to celebrate diversity and reaffirm a simple truth: everyone deserves to live freely, equally and with dignity.

Observed worldwide on 17 May, this year’s theme, “At the heart of democracy,” reminds us that equality, inclusion and human rights are essential to strong and thriving societies.

🇧🇪 Belgium has long been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights. From becoming one of the first countries in the world to legalise same‑sex marriage in 2003, to continuously strengthening anti‑discrimination protections and supporting equality at home and abroad.

On this day, and every day, we stand with LGBTQ+ communities in Belgium, the UK and around the world to challenge prejudice, celebrate diversity and build a future where everyone is free and equal.

💬 Join us today, and every day, in spreading awareness and solidarity.

🌈

Step inside the stunning Belgian Ambassador’s Residence this month for a rare cultural treat. Belgian artist Laurent Reypens is presenting his latest exhibition, LA RESIDENZA.

Known for his captivating use of light, geometry, and his signature bowls motif, Reypens’ work beautifully bridges the gap between classic heritage and contemporary minimalist art.

Best of all? Admission is entirely free, offering a perfect afternoon escape into a world of artistic elegance.

📍 Where: Belgian Ambassador’s Residence, 36 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8QB
📅 When: 15 - 25 May 2026
🕜 Time: 14:30 – 17:30 daily
🎟️ Admission: Free