Political overview

Belgium is a federal state and a constitutional parliamentary monarchy. Power is exercised at federal, regional and community levels. The federal level shares authority with three Regions — the Flemish, Brussels-Capital and Walloon Regions — and three Communities — the Flemish, French and German-speaking Communities.

At the federal level, legislative power is exercised by the Federal Parliament, comprising the Chamber of Representatives and the Senate, together with the Head of State. The Federal Government exercises federal executive power and is accountable to the Chamber of Representatives. Judicial power is exercised by the courts and tribunals.

Belgium's National Day is 21 July.

Foreign policy

Belgium's foreign policy priorities include upholding multilateralism and the rules-based order, strengthening European Union integration, addressing climate change, advancing human rights and gender equality, supporting nuclear non-proliferation, providing long-term support to Ukraine, and securing lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.

Bilateral relations

Australia and Belgium have a close relationship grounded in shared values, international cooperation, particularly in multilateral fora, and growing trade and investment ties. Australia and Belgium work together in the multilateral arena to promote the rules-based order and share similar approaches to many international issues, including gender equality, human rights, arms control, and counter-terrorism.

There is potential for increased business and investment ties with Belgium and strengthened cooperation on research and design, innovation, and renewable energy. Belgium is a world leader in biotech and semiconductor technology.

The bilateral relationship is underpinned by strong historical ties stemming from World War I. Many Australians served in Belgium between 1916 and 1918, notably during the Battle of Messines on 7 June 1917, and the Third Battle of Ieper (Ypres), from 31 July to 6 November 1917.

Reflecting our common values, Australia and Belgium have worked closely together in various organisations to promote global peace and security, including during Belgium's term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (2019-20) and our overlapping terms on the UN Human Rights Council in 2018. Belgium is a member of the Australia Group, an informal grouping which seeks to prevent the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons.

Agreements with Belgium

Australia has several bilateral agreements with Belgium, including on social security, double taxation, mutual legal assistance and health care.

Texts of bilateral agreements available through the Australian Treaties Database.

Economic diplomacy

Australia and Belgium have a productive economic relationship. Economic diplomacy efforts are focused on promoting two-way trade and investment, supporting the multilateral trading system and facilitating opportunities for both countries to benefit from research innovation in science and technology.

Belgium is an open, services-driven and export-oriented economy. Belgium is a major trade gateway to the EU's member states though the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, but in particular to the three countries with which it shares a border – Germany, France, and the Netherlands. These three countries are Belgium's principal export destinations and import sources.

Australian companies with a presence in Belgium include Telix Pharmaceuticals in Seneffe, Cochlear in Mechelen, Sonic Healthcare in Antwerp, and Amcor in Ghent.

Belgian investments in Australia cover a range of sectors including agri-food, wine, construction and engineering, machinery, ICT/software, mining and resources, and manufacturing. Leading Belgian companies with a presence in Australia include Kreglinger, Jan de Nul, Sarens, Finasucre and Besix. In 2025, Belgium ranked as Australia's third largest investor (total stocks). The majority of total investment from Belgium is portfolio investment liabilities in the form of debt securities (Belgium hosts a major clearing house and depository for euro-denominated bonds and other securities, Euroclear).¹

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission's (Austrade) Paris Office focuses on attracting foreign direct investment from Belgium into Australia and promoting Australia's education services in Belgium.

Further economic and trade information [PDF].

Public diplomacy

The Australian Embassy to Belgium and Luxembourg and Mission to the European Union and NATO manages a wide-ranging public diplomacy program. Its objective is to promote Australia as an open, diverse, and innovative country with similar values to Belgium.

Public diplomacy activities, including events, social media and media relations, are focused on promoting two-way trade and investment and showcasing Australia's work on promoting human rights and gender equality. The Embassy also promotes Australian First Nations culture in Brussels through cultural events, including art exhibitions. Objectives are often achieved by working with partners, such as government and business stakeholders, think tanks and NGOs.

The Embassy supports an extensive program of activities and high-level engagement commemorating Australia's involvement in World War I in Belgium. In April 2026, LTGEN Susan Coyle, then Chief of Joint Capabilities and Chief of Army designate visited Belgium to tour commemorative World War I sites on the Belgian side of the Western Front.  In October 2026, an Australian Parliamentary Delegation attended the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate, honouring the Australians who served and sacrificed on the Western Front during World War I.

Australian Embassy in Brussels

• Facebook: @AustraliainBrussels
• X: @AustraliaEU
• Linkedin: Australian Embassy to Belgium, Luxembourg, Mission to the EU and NATO

¹ Note the majority of total investment from Belgium is portfolio investment liabilities in the form of debt securities (Belgium hosts a major clearing house and depository for euro-denominated bonds and other securities, Euroclear).