On December 11th, 2024, the Education & Training team of the Egmont Institute organized, in close collaboration with the Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs, a Welcome and discovery day for Ambassadors recently posted to Brussels. Attended by 18 Ambassadors recently posted to Brussels, this one-day program was the first of its kind and was a resounding success!
The main aims were to introduce the group of Ambassadors to Belgium, by presenting them the different facets of the country – political, institutional, and cultural –, to provide them with relevant information linked to the exercise of their function in the country, as well as to provide them with the opportunity to make contacts with their Belgian counterparts and fellow Ambassadors and contribute to the strengthening of diplomatic relations with the countries represented.
In this framework, various presentations were given by representatives from the FPS Foreign Affairs, notably on Belgian practices regarding diplomatic and consular privileges and immunities, and on the organization of official visits in the country. The walking lunch then constituted an excellent opportunity for Ambassadors to exchange with their Belgian counterparts and fellow Ambassadors in a convivial atmosphere. Finally, the day concluded with a guided visit of the Belgian Federal Parliament, as well as with an insightful presentation on Belgium’s institutional system and its complexities.
