HomeCountries & Areas…Belgium hide Belgium Subscribe View Fact Sheet Embassies & Consulates Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs International Travel Information What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc. International Travel Information: Learn More Current Travel Advisories Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Learn More U.S. Relationship These are excerpts from the U.S. Relations With Belgium U.S.-Belgium Relations Bilateral Economic Relations International Organizations U.S.-Belgium Relations The strong relationship between the United States and Belgium reflects our common democratic ideals and values, which are reinforced through cooperation on political, security, and economic issues. The United States established diplomatic relations with Belgium in 1832 following its declaration of independence from the Netherlands in 1830. Suffering under German occupation during World Wars I and II, the The strong relationship between the United States and Belgium reflects our common democratic ideals and values, which are reinforced through cooperation on political, security, and economic issues. The United States established diplomatic relations with Belgium in 1832 following its declaration of independence from the Netherlands in 1830. Suffering under German occupation during World Wars I and II, the Belgian public holds goodwill and affection for Americans because of the United States’ role during and after these conflicts, including Belgium’s liberation by British, Canadian, and U.S. forces in 1944. The country has now prospered for several decades as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. As the host country of the EU and NATO headquarters, Belgium plays an important role in European and Transatlantic diplomacy. Collapse U.S.-Belgium Relations Read more about U.S.-Belgium Relations Bilateral Economic Relations Belgium is a member of the European Union (EU) and seeks to diversify and expand trade opportunities with non-EU countries. Belgium has welcomed hundreds of U.S. firms to its territory, many of which have their European headquarters there. U.S. companies are heavily represented in investments in the chemical sector, automotive assembly, petroleum refining, and pharmaceutical sectors. A number Belgium is a member of the European Union (EU) and seeks to diversify and expand trade opportunities with non-EU countries. Belgium has welcomed hundreds of U.S. firms to its territory, many of which have their European headquarters there. U.S. companies are heavily represented in investments in the chemical sector, automotive assembly, petroleum refining, and pharmaceutical sectors. A number of U.S. service industries have followed in the wake of these investments – banks, law firms, public relations, accounting, and executive search firms. Belgium participates in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for certain business or tourism purposes for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Collapse Bilateral Economic Relations Read more about Bilateral Economic Relations International Organizations Belgium and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, NATO, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Council of Europe, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Between 2019-2020, Belgium was a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Belgium and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, NATO, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Council of Europe, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Between 2019-2020, Belgium was a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Belgium also is an observer to the Organization of American States. Collapse International Organizations Read more about International Organizations Integrated Country Strategies The Integrated Country Strategy is the four-year strategy articulating U.S. priorities in a given country. The Chief of Mission leads the strategy. View Integrated Country Strategies Investment Climate Statements The Investment Climate Statements analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses and provide information on the business climates. View Investment Climate Statements Discover More 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report View all Department Reports and Publications Highlights March 11, 2024 Ambassador Fick’s Travel to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy March 10, 2024 Special Representative to the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar’s Travel to Belgium, Kosovo, Austria, and Montenegro February 21, 2024 Brussels, Belgium: The International School of Brussels: 2024 Special Needs Profile February 14, 2024 U.S. Participation in the EU – Sanctions Coordinators Forum January 24, 2024 United States Welcomes the Kingdom of Belgium’s Signing of the Artemis Accords VIEW ALL NEWS Tags Belgium Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs