Aerial view of the Grand-Place square and Town Hall in Brussels, Belgium. Photo by Uslatar
By Slavisa Tasic
Having evolved from a medieval trading center into the administrative heart of the European Union (EU), contemporary Brussels is a city that blends historical charm with dynamism and modernity. As the de facto capital of the EU and host to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) headquarters, Brussels plays a pivotal role in shaping political, economic, and security discourse not only within Europe but globally. Meanwhile, the country of Belgium is an economic hub and a strong U.S. ally, making Belgian cooperation critical to a wide variety of U.S. foreign policy priorities. With fascinating policy work, three distinct Missions at which to serve, and history and culture to explore, a posting in Brussels has something for everyone.
The history of U.S.-Belgium relations is a testament to the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations, most significantly during the two World Wars, when American involvement played a pivotal role in Belgium’s history. The relationship between the United States and Belgium dates back to the 19th century, when Belgium gained its independence. The United States was among the first nations to recognize Belgium’s sovereignty in 1832.
During World War I (WWI), Belgium found itself in the path of the German invasion, intended to bypass the heavily fortified French border. Even before the United States officially joined the war, American efforts to assist Belgium were already underway. Today, the residence of the U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium is called Whitlock Hall, after Brand Whitlock, the U.S. minister to Belgium at the outbreak of WWI. Whitlock courageously advocated for the interests of the American and Belgian peoples during Germany’s occupation of Belgium, taking responsibility to ensure that food aid sent by the U.S. Commission for Relief in Belgium made its way to the intended recipients, the citizens of Belgium and occupied Northern France, and not to the German occupying forces.
After the war, the U.S. diplomatic mission in Belgium was elevated to an embassy, and Brand Whitlock became the first U.S. ambassador there. Today, in addition to Whitlock Hall, a boulevard in the Brussels commune of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert is named after him.
One might recognize another American name involved in the U.S. Commission for Relief in Belgium effort. Herbert Hoover, before becoming the 31st president of the United States, also played a crucial role. His leadership and effective action earned him international acclaim and honorary Belgian citizenship.
World War II (WWII), saw a repeat of German occupation in Belgium, and again, American forces were instrumental in the liberation of Belgian towns and cities. The Battle of the Bulge, fought in the Ardennes region, was one of the most significant confrontations on Belgian soil. American troops, enduring harsh winter conditions and German counter-offensives, played the most vital role. Locals commemorate the overall battle and individual skirmishes each year, welcoming back U.S. veterans of WWII to honor their legacy and teaching new generations about the sacrifices necessary to defend democracy and freedom.
Several memorial sites administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission commemorate the sacrifices of American soldiers in Belgium. The Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial is a tribute to the American servicemen who died on Belgian soil in WWI, and the Ardennes American Cemetery and Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery honor those who lost their lives during WWII. More than 13,500 U.S. soldiers are buried at these sites, poignant reminders of the American role in Belgium’s history.
Despite its small geographic size, Belgium benefits from its central location in one of the world’s most industrialized regions, making it a critical hub for European commerce and international business. The port of Antwerp-Bruges is one of the largest and busiest in Europe, serving as a major gateway for international trade. Belgium has a strong financial services sector and is known for its high productivity and skilled workforce.
Belgium is a vital economic partner for the United States. Annual bilateral trade between the two nations exceeds $65 billion, and Belgium is the 13th-largest foreign investor in the U.S. market. Conversely, the United States stands as the single largest foreign investor in Belgium. This economic relationship is further underscored by the presence of more than 900 U.S. companies in Belgium, providing employment to approximately 125,000 individuals.
“These businesses are forging commercial relationships that strengthen the already deep and multi-faceted U.S.-Belgium bilateral relationship. For almost 200 years, the United States and Belgium have partnered across a multitude of fronts to create a safer, healthier, cleaner, and more prosperous world,” said Ambassador Michael M. Adler during a recent visit to Duracell’s facility in Belgium.
Belgium is also a strong partner in security, contributing to the coalition supporting Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression, despite its small size. In December 2023, Adler accompanied Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander de Croo, to watch Belgium’s first F-35 fighter roll off the Lockheed-Martin assembly line in Texas. A few months earlier, Adler had attended a ceremony at Belgium’s Sabena Engineering, marking the 1,500th F-16 aircraft to receive maintenance at that facility. These partnerships represent the breadth of the defense relationship between the United States and Belgium—not only government-to-government and military-to-military but business-to-business in the private sector as well, especially in technology and innovation.
As a city, Brussels is as culturally diverse as it is politically important, given its international community and its own varied heritage. Representatives of 182 different nationalities live in Brussels, and as a result, the city is a veritable melting pot of cuisines and languages. Although French is predominant in the city, followed by Dutch, an urban pedestrian will likely overhear conversations in English, Arabic, Italian, and Turkish, among many others.
The city’s architecture is a visual delight, showcasing landmarks from various periods and styles. The Grand Place, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its decorated guildhalls and Gothic town hall, reflects the city’s medieval roots. Brussels later emerged as a recognized capital of Art Nouveau, and architecture lovers will find incredible details around every corner. The Atomium, built for the 1958 World’s Fair, represents Belgium’s post-war modernism, while modern glass-and-steel buildings in the European Quarter highlight Brussels’ contemporary and political significance.
Brussels’ selection as the headquarters for NATO in 1967 and as a principal seat of the EU’s institutions transformed the city into an international political hub. The city has fully embraced its role in global affairs, creating an environment that is welcoming and internationally oriented. Several notable international schools offer education in various languages, particularly English. Some of the largest are the International School of Brussels, which offers an international baccalaureate curriculum; the British School of Brussels, which provides a British curriculum; and the Brussels American School, which primarily serves the children of U.S. military personnel and offers an American-style education. In addition to the strong schools it offers, Brussels is known for its world-class health care providers and facilities, excellent public transit, and transportation links to anywhere in Europe or across the globe, which makes it an incredibly easy place to live.
Belgium’s cultural heritage is rich, highlighted by its world-famous arts, particularly the influential works of Flemish Renaissance painters. Belgium also boasts more comic artists per square kilometer than any other country in the world, and renowned comic book characters, such as the Smurfs and Tintin dot Brussels streets and landmarks. René Magritte’s surrealism can also be seen on display at a variety of museums.
These days, the Belgian music scene is thriving, offering a wide range of options from classical music concerts to electronic festivals, such as the internationally renowned Tomorrowland. The country’s film industry is vibrant, and international festivals showcase the diversity of films from across Europe and throughout the world. For museum lovers, Brussels alone has more than 120 to explore.
Belgian cuisine, beyond its iconic chocolates, waffles, and beers, features a variety of dishes that reflect its diverse traditions. Speculoos cookies and moules frites (mussels with fries) are also must-try culinary delights when visiting Belgium. Stoemp (jazzed-up mashed potatoes) and Flemish beef stew might remind visitors of what their grandmothers made at family dinners. Excitingly, Afro-Belgian chefs are blending African traditions with modern European cuisine to create something entirely new, and the embassy is partnering with them through both culinary and film diplomacy (e.g., Netflix’s “High on the Hog” documentary series) to highlight the amazing things that can happen when different cultures come together.
U.S.-Belgium cultural ties go far beyond mouth-watering cuisine. The Fulbright Program in Belgium just marked its 75th anniversary, and this year alone, it is supporting 21 Belgian grantees in the United States and 24 American grantees in Belgium. The most prominent Belgian Fulbright alumnus is De Croo, joined by several members of Parliament and many high-profile business, academic, and cultural leaders.
The U.S. government has a unique presence in Brussels that—in addition to representing American interests in Belgium—is also central to expressing and promoting U.S. foreign policy in Europe, symbolizing a long-term transatlantic partnership. This Tri-Mission encompasses three distinct entities: the U.S. Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium, the U.S. Mission to the EU, and the U.S. Mission to NATO.
The missions are independent of each other but are linked through the Joint Administrative Service (JAS), which provides a common operating platform. Currently, Embassy Brussels, along with the U.S. Mission to the EU and JAS, is situated in central Brussels, close to the Royal Park and sightseeing areas. However, plans for relocation are on the horizon. At the end of 2022, the U.S. government completed the acquisition of land in Etterbeek, a Brussels commune about a mile away from the current buildings. This new site is designated for the construction of state-of-the-art facilities that will house the bilateral embassy, the Mission to the EU, and JAS.
The Brussels Tri-Mission Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Council is committed to fostering an inclusive community. It proposes policy changes and hosts educational events to promote diversity and enhance the Tri-Mission’s ability to respond to and address racism and all forms of discrimination. Over the past year, IDEA Council events have included a screening of “One Small Visit” with the filmmakers during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to highlight an immigrant Indian family and their experience making the United States their home. The council also facilitated a letter of commitment to IDEA values from the Tri-Mission ambassadors to all staff, which is now embedded in all onboarding resources for new hires and community members.
Brussels, steeped in history yet vibrant with modernity and diversity, is a fitting symbol of the strong, deep, and lasting bilateral relationship between the United States and Belgium.
Slavisa Tasic is a public diplomacy professional associate at Embassy Brussels.
