Permanent Representation of Belgium to the European Union

Yesterday, our Permanent Representation of Belgium had the pleasure of welcoming the new cohort of trainee diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Belgium, named after Paul-Henri Spaak, one of the founders of the EU! The diplomats in training received an in-depth overview of key European dossiers and #Belgium’s role in the #EU. They also engaged with more than twenty colleagues, gaining insights into the diverse roles and topics handled at the Representation and within the Council. They also visited the Council of the European Union where they could interact with senior diplomats working in the European institutions. We wish them a fruitful training year and look forward to collaborating with them to continue strengthening Belgium’s work within and for the European Union. #Diplomacy

The 27 EU leaders gathered in Brussels yesterday for an important EU Summit #EUCO, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was also invited. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo took part for #Belgium. 𝐔𝐤𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞 Together with Ukrainian President Zelensky, the EU leaders reviewed the latest developments on the battlefield and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting #Ukraine and exercising its inherent right to self-defence. This included providing continued political, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support, as well as financial assistance to help rebuild Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which has been heavily targeted by Russian attacks. 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁 The European Council addressed the ongoing escalation of violence in the Middle East. The leaders discussed urgent measures such as ceasefires in #Gaza and #Lebanon, as well as the provision of humanitarian aid. They also focused on the broader goal of achieving a sustainable peace based on a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. The EU reaffirmed its full commitment to helping de-escalate the situation and reduce tensions. 𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 EU leaders evaluated the implementation of their comprehensive approach to #migration, which included the recently agreed Pact on Asylum and Migration, exploring further partnership agreements with third countries, and increasing the rate of returns for those who do not qualify for asylum. They also tackled the issues of human trafficking and the instrumentalisation of migrants by certain states. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 The leaders discussed strategies to strengthen the EU’s long-term economic performance and improve the well-being of its citizens. This involved reducing dependencies in strategic sectors and making Europe a leader in industrial and technological innovation. Reports by experts like Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi are guiding these discussions, helping to shape policies that will enhance the EU’s #competitiveness on the global stage. They will continue addressing this crucial topic at the informal meeting of the European Council in Budapest, on 8 November. 🔗 Read the conclusions of the Summit here: https://lnkd.in/eSWW2xPm Ministry of Foreign Affairs Belgium

Today marks a significant moment in Brussels as the first-ever EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit unfolds. Leaders from the European Union and from the GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), are gathering to address pressing global challenges. The summit, co-chaired by European Council President Charles Michel and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, aims to strengthen strategic partnerships and foster cooperation on critical issues such as energy security, climate change, and economic collaboration. Belgium is represented by Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. Some of the major geopolitical challenges are also part of the discussions between the two blocs. "Geopolitically speaking, many of the topics which worry us on a daily basis, be it in the conflict in Gaza and the Middle East, be it other conflicts, countries like us need a dialogue. And this is a good forum to have this dialogue", said Prime Minister De Croo upon his arrival at the Summit. In terms of international trade, the EU is the second-largest trade partner of the GCC, accounting for over 12% of the GCC’s total trade in goods. In 2023, the total trade in goods between the EU and GCC amounted to €170.1 billion. This robust trade relationship underscores the strategic economic ties between the two regions, highlighting their importance in global trade networks. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Belgium

🌍 We are proud to introduce Pierre Gillon as Belgium’s new Ambassador to the Political and Security Committee (PSC) of the EU. With over 20 years of diplomatic experience in both multilateral and bilateral affairs, including as Ambassador in Algeria, and as Belgium’s first Ambassador for Cyber, Digital, and Tech Affairs, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership. Ambassador Gillon is committed to fostering collaboration within the EU and multilateral partners to ensure peace and security. ➡️ Get to know him and join us in welcoming him to this pivotal role at the Permanent Representation of Belgium to the EU: https://lnkd.in/ejtnb8Vr #Diplomacy #EU #Belgium Ministry of Foreign Affairs Belgium, Délégation Générale Wallonie Bruxelles U.E., Diplomatic Representation of Flanders to the EU, Brussels International European External Action Service

We are excited to announce that we are looking for 2 Office Assistants to join our team within the Permanent Representation of Belgium to the European Union 🔽 🔍 Position: Office Assistant (M/F/X) 📍 Location: Brussels, Belgium 💼 Type: Full-time ➖ Key responsibilities: - Handle office tasks and administrative duties efficiently - Provide support to team members on various projects - Maintain organized records and files - Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders ➖ Requirements: - Strong organizational and multitasking skills - Excellent communication abilities - Proficiency in office software (e.g., MS Office) - Previous administrative experience is a plus ➖ Why joining us? - Be part of a dynamic and supportive team - Opportunities for professional growth - Competitive salary and benefits Interested? Learn more and apply here: FR: https://lnkd.in/eGbrCAjE NL: https://lnkd.in/eXpbhUtQ Don’t miss this chance to contribute to our mission at the heart of Europe! 🌟 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Belgium, Workingfor.be, Phaedra Laermans

🇧🇪 Today, we had the pleasure of convening a climate-focused “Belgians in the Bubble” at the Permanent Representation of Belgium to the EU, hosted by the new Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Versmessen Bert and the climate team of the Permanent Representation. 🌍 It was an inspiring gathering of talented Belgians from various EU institutions, all dedicated to advancing #climate action. Thanks to their broad expertise and competences, the exchanges between participants truly stood out. And of course, we couldn’t miss out on enjoying some iconic Belgian fries! 🍟 #BelgiansInTheBubble

🤩 Wishing a warm welcome to Jeanne, Pauline and Nicolas, our new "Bernheim" trainees. During 5 months they will support the work of the Permanent Representation in various fields, followed by another 5 months at the Directorate-General for European Affairs and Coordination at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Belgium. Let's go and meet them 🔽 Jeanne Acar is working in the Team European Parliament / Working Party on General Affairs, and temporarily also assisting the Mertens team. She just graduated from the College of Europe, where she completed a Master in European Political and Governance Studies, after finishing a Master's degree in Environment and Resource Management at VU Amsterdam. She is passionate about biodiversity and wellbeing, and the role of politics in shaping a sustainable future. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her friends. Pauline El Khoury is working in the MaMa-MOG Team within the Permanent Representation - the Working Parties dealing with EU Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) for the Middle Eastern and North African region. She completed her European law and political science studies abroad - partly in Maastricht, Paris, and London. She really enjoys travelling, and therefore felt grateful to spend the last 6 years in different European cities. Being half-Lebanese, she has always been interested in EU-MENA relations and the geopolitics of the Middle East region. When she's not working, she enjoys meeting up with friends, reading (a lot) of thrillers, and discovering new spots in Brussels. Nicolas Kricfalusi is part of the team COEST (Eastern Europe & Central Asia) at the PermRep. After studying in Brussels, Berlin, Prague, Louvain-la-Neuve and Ghent, he is excited to be back in the capital to work for the Belgian diplomacy. A self-diagnosed history nerd, Nicolas enjoys reading and always has several Wikipedia tabs open on his laptop. He likes learning languages and is very passionate about the cultural, political and sociological facets of international relations. In his free time Nicolas loves to cook and try new recipes! 

🌍 We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Ambassador Versmessen Bert as the new Deputy Permanent Representative of Belgium to the European Union! With almost three decades of diplomatic experience and a proven track record in international relations, he is well-equipped to face the challenges ahead. His diverse background, from serving as Ambassador in Rwanda to various key roles within the EU, positions him to make significant contributions to Belgium and the EU, alongside his talented teams from the Belgian federal and federated administrations. Join us in welcoming him and learn more about his journey and vision here: https://lnkd.in/ej2UD8nN #Diplomacy #EU #Belgium Ministry of Foreign Affairs Belgium, Délégation Générale Wallonie Bruxelles U.E., Diplomatic Representation of Flanders to the EU, Brussels International

The Permanent Representation welcomed earlier this week more than 60 Belgians currently completing a traineeship in the European institutions.   After learning about the functioning and the role of the Permanent Representation, the trainees got to chat with our experts, ask their many questions and exchange about their topics of interest on EU matters and - of course - the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2024.     These animated discussions were then followed by some remarks from the Permanent Representative Willem van de Voorde, who then invited all participants to an informal networking moment.   Another successful evening for this biannual Belgian EU Trainees Meet-Up, but most of all always a pleasure to meet so many talented and motivated trainees!   #EU2024BE

📸 Some photos of the first week under the Belgian Presidency of the Council. Which one is your favourite? #EU2024BE