Embassy of Belgium in the United States of America

World Bicycle Day was this week! 🚴🚴‍♀️

To celebrate it, the embassy’s Minister-Counsellor for Economic Affairs, Charly Poppe, took part in the Washington Area Bicyclist Association’s Embassies Ride yesterday in Washington. Diplomats from numerous countries participated in a 6-mile bike ride through Washington, finishing on the National Mall.

We were proud to have Belgium’s cycling culture represented in this celebration!

Washington Area Bicyclist Association

Belgium is proud to contribute to the EU Delegation's Ambassadors Book Collection!

We selected the title 'Maigret in New York' by renowned Belgian author Georges Simenon. In this book, Simenon places his iconic detective Jules Maigret in New York, inviting readers to experience this iconic American city through the lens of Belgian imagination.

In selecting 'Maigret in New York', we pay tribute to Belgium's literary legacy while recognizing the curiosity and exploration that have contributed to the long-standing relationship between Belgium and the United States.

📚 For this special year that is America's 250th birthday, we proudly introduce the "EU Ambassadors Book Collection," which celebrates the ties between Americans and Europeans while highlighting Europe’s literary heritage.

The EU Ambassador and the 27 EU Member State Ambassadors donated a hard copy of an English-translated book from their country that reflects its national spirit or connections to the U.S. Together, the donated volumes form a collective gift symbolizing friendship and the power of ideas to transcend borders. 🇪🇺🇺🇸

Read the list: https://bit.ly/49xOfKQ

Political Counselor Charles Randaxhe welcomed students from BASIS DC's French club to the embassy yesterday, where he spoke to them (in French, of course!) about Belgium and Belgian diplomacy. Thank you to the faculty and students for your curiosity and thoughtful questions!

The Embassy congratulates Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, on earning a Master's Degree in Public Policy from the Kennedy School!

📸Philip Reynaers, Getty

The summer edition of the quarterly Belgium in the USA newsletter will be published next week. If you’re not already on our mailing list, you can sign up at https://tinyurl.com/Belgium-in-USA-Newsletter !

Consulate General of Belgium in Atlanta Consulate General of Belgium in New York Consulate General of Belgium in Los Angeles

On this Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Belgium and the United States are bound by a shared history, one written in courage and solidarity. Thousands of American soldiers who fell in the pursuit of liberty are laid to rest on Belgian soil, a lasting symbol of our enduring friendship.
Today, we pay tribute to their sacrifice and express our deepest gratitude. Their legacy lives on in the values we continue to defend together.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget. 🇧🇪🇺🇸



Photo: Ardennes American Cemetery, courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission (American Battle Monuments Commission)

The Embassy of Belgium will close on Monday, May 25 in observance of US Memorial Day.

Belgians in need of emergency consular services during this time can find more information here: https://tinyurl.com/yc7jnjh4.

Please join the embassy in welcoming our intern cohort of Summer 2026: Grete, Annefleur, and Laurens!

Grete Oosterbaan is interning in the Political and Economic Departments: ‘I am currently completing a master’s in international relations and diplomacy at the University of Antwerp. At the Embassy, I focus on research and analysis of geopolitical developments. I look forward to further developing these skills and assisting in all the exciting events planned by the Embassy during the following months, including July 21!”

Annefleur Recour is interning in the Communications Department: “I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Politics and European Studies at Ghent University, and I earned my bachelor’s degree in Language and Linguistics last year. During my internship, I’ll assist with public diplomacy and social media. I am very excited about the opportunities and challenges this internship brings, as well as the chance to learn more about diplomacy and our transatlantic relationship up close.”

Laurens Scheers in interning in the Consular Department: “ I am currently pursuing a masters degree in international politics at KU Leuven, with a strong interest in history and global affairs. During my internship in Washington, I am particularly looking forward to contributing to the preparation of the upcoming FIFA World Cup and supporting Belgian nationals on the ground during this iconic event. At the same time, I am excited to experience diplomacy up close while exploring a new city, meeting new people, and embracing new experiences.”

Last night, Ambassador Frédéric Bernard had the honor of speaking and laying a wreath at the annual In Flanders Field Memorial Remembrance in Washington, DC, at the National World War I Memorial. The Ambassador participated alongside Paul Hegge from the Delegation of Flanders to the USA, Colonel Gunnar C. Bruegner from the Embassy of Germany in Washington, D.C., Air Commodore Amy Beck from the Embassy of Australia, United States of America, and Tomas Baum from the Kazerne Dossin. They were also accompanied by two bugle players who performed the Last Post and Taps.

We honor the shared sacrifices and deep-rooted connection between Belgium and the United States in the First World War, a history that continues to bring our nations together.

We thank the Doughboy Foundation and Delegation of Flanders in the USA for their excellent organization.

Photo credit: Embassy of Belgium and Bruce Guthrie