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The many faces of Belgium |
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At the heart of Europe, Belgium
welcomes you in a variety of different ways. Inconspicuous Belgium is the result of
a subtle blending of cultures, steeped in a heritage that is both Latin and Germanic.
Balance, equilibrium, compromise and respect are the guarantors of this Belgian identity,
uniting the Flemish north, French speaking south and German speaking east into a single
nation. On many an occasion Belgium has shown the world the quality of its creations, its
actions, and its people.
 Was
it just by chance that Europe chose Belgium ?
Since the Sixties, Brussels, the capital of Belgium, has also been the capital of
Europe, housing the two vital European institutions: the Council and the Commission.
Brussels is cosmopolitan, green, and cultural and this setting admirably suits the civil
servants who are happy to come and settle here. While the heart of Europe beats to the
same rhythm as that of Belgium, the benefits of this country, rich in its diversity, have
also drawn in other institutions and countless businesses: NATO has its headquarters here
and many multinational companies have set up their head offices here, attracted by its
central position, the multilingual nature of its people, and its openness to the world.
 Belgium is certainly open to
the world, and it radiates the fact. Is it not renowned among gourmets as the
homeland of chocolate and pralines, whose traditional quality it upholds? Indeed, it was
at the initiative of the Belgian State and as an immediate reaction against the European
Directive allowing the use of vegetable fats other than cocoa butter in the manufacture of
chocolate that the brand "Ambao" was launched. Henceforth, every true chocolate
connoisseur would recognise this brand as representing only the finest chocolate with the
highest tradition and quality. Also with traditional beer, whether brown, blond, bitter,
sweet, light or strong, with the widest range in the world. Again with the water of Spa
which, whether still or sparkling, is enjoyed in the four corners of the planet. In the
list of flavours we should also mention the waffle, Tirlemont sugar, the brown sugar
biscuit, mussels in the pot, and so on.
 These gourmand successes brought about by quality know-how
are by no means the only things Belgium can boast about. Tintin, the indefatigable
journalist created in 1929 by the pen of Hergé, is certainly the most celebrated hero of
the strip cartoon. Spirou, Fantasio, the Marsupilami, Gaston Lagaffe, Blake and Mortimer,
Bob and Bobette, the Smurfs and even the Cat of Philippe Geluck can be added to the long
list of Belgian characters of the "ninth art".
Belgium harbours still more artistic treasures. Although, at the start of each new literary season, we eagerly reach out for the latest Amélie Nothomb novel, the world-wide reputation of Jean-Michel Folon, painter in oils and watercolours and multifaceted sculptor, now rests on the broad shoulders of the Fondation Folon, a dynamic museum located in Walloon Brabant, which is exhibiting the work of this exceptional artist in an area measuring almost 2000 square metres. The music scene of Belgium also has many players:
the sorely missed Jacques Brel is one of the pillars of French-language
song, the voice of the romantic Helmut Lotti seduces international crowds,
the husky voice of Ostend's  Arno
is indisputably part of the Belgian national psyche, and the redheaded
Axelle Red is another favourite of the public, while in the classical
line, the reputation of Phillip Herreweghe and the Collegium Vocale is
growing through his interpretations of baroque music, and the baritone
voice of José Van Damme has toured the world.
Every year the Festival of Flanders presents the best of international orchestras, dance troupes and operas. A prestigious international event for music lovers, the Queen Elisabeth Competition awards the title of laureate to the best classical interpreter. In the world of fashion, Belgian stylists, strikingly large numbers of whom are graduates of the Antwerp Academy, are increasingly making waves. Such as Franco Dragone, the genius director at the heart of the famous and international Cirque du Soleil.
 Belgians are also heavily into sporting events and competitions: famed for its bicycle tracks, the flat country is home to
Eddy Merckx, elected sportman of the century for his
outstanding record of achievements. Let us not forget our brilliant tennis players, Kim Klijsters and Justine Henin, who are getting us used to the Top
world rankings. And what about our champions in judo, cross country, motorcycling, etc... so many disciplines in which our athletes compete at the highest
level. We would also like to give a special mention to Jacques Rogge who chairs the International Olympic Committee...recognition comes no better than this.
With a cultural and sporting reputation, the country is also familiar with
humanitarian causes. The Belgian Red Cross, patronised by Princess Astrid, is well-known for its countless health aid, cooperation, education and rehabilitation projects.
Historically linked to central Africa, 
Belgium practices an active policy of co-operation and development there, in particular through the co-ordinated action of the many non-government organisations (NGOs) hosted by the country.
Belgium is strong in its diversity and expertise. Qualities
it presents and defends during every economic mission, presided by His Royal Highness
Prince Philippe of Belgium, it sets up in all corners of the world.
Qualities that are recognised too: the Brussels Stock Exchange is an integral member
of Euronext, while
successful Belgian business ventures both young and established every day contribute a little more to
Belgian national economic growth.
 At
the end of the day, Belgium is a reflection of its people: warm dynamic, and welcoming.
Foreign residents in particular appreciate this: today they make up nearly 30% of
the population of Brussels, working in 2000 international companies, 160 diplomatic
representations, and 1750 international organisations located in the capital.
Belgium is the land of hospitality, and Belgium is open to the world.
Photos: European Parliament / Ambao / Editions Blake & Mortimer -
EDL-B&M /
Fondation Folon / Vlaamse Gemeenschap / Tourisme de Liège / Croix Rouge / OBCE-BDBH |
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