Overview
Capital: Brussels
Official EU language(s): Dutch, French, German
EU Member State: since 1 January 1958
Currency: euro (€) since 1 January 1999
Schengen: member since 26 March 1995
Figures:
- Geographical size: 30 452 km2
- Population: 11 754 004 (2023)
(Source: Eurostat - figures for geographical size and population)
Political System
Belgium is a federal constitutional monarchy in which the king is the head of state and the prime minister is the head of government in a multi-party system. Decision-making powers are not centralised, but divided between 3 levels of government: the federal government, 3 language-based communities (Flemish, French and German-speaking) and 3 regions (Flanders, Brussels Capital and Wallonia). Legally they all are equal, but have powers and responsibilities for different fields. Brussels is, together with Luxembourg City and Strasbourg, one of the three official seats of the European institutions.
Trade and economy
The most important sectors of Belgium’s economy in 2020 were public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities (22.0%), wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food services (17.7%) and industry (16.4%).
Intra-EU trade accounts for 65% of Belgium’s exports (Germany 17%, France 14% and the Netherlands 12%), while outside the EU 8% go to the United Kingdom and 7% to the United States.
In terms of imports, 62% come from EU Member States (the Netherlands 17%, Germany 14% and France 10%), while outside the EU 7% come from the United States and 5% from China.
(Source: Eurostat - figures for exports and imports)
There are 21 representatives from Belgium in the European Parliament. Find out who these Members of the European Parliament are and follow the activities of the European Parliament’s office in Belgium.
In the Council of the EU, national ministers meet regularly to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies. Representatives from the Belgian government attend Council meetings focused on their area of responsibility several times year.
The Council of the EU does not have a permanent, single-person president (like the Commission or Parliament). Instead, its work is led by the country holding the Council presidency, which rotates every 6 months.
During these 6 months, ministers from that country's government chair and help determine the agenda of Council meetings in the different policy areas, and facilitate dialogue with the other EU institutions.
Dates of Belgian presidencies:
Jan-Jun 1958 | Jan-Jun 1961 | Jan-Jun 1964 | Jan-Jun 1967 | Jan-Jun 1970 | Jan-Jun 1973 | Jul-Dec 1977 | Jan-Jun 1982 | Jan-Jun 1987 | Jul-Dec 1993 | Jul-Dec 2001 | Jul-Dec 2010 | Jan-Jun 2024
The European Commissioner nominated by Belgium is Didier Reynders who is responsible for Justice.
The Commission is represented in each EU country by a local office, called a "representation". Find out more about the Commission's representation in Belgium.
Belgium has 12 representatives on the European Economic and Social Committee. This advisory body – representing employers, workers and other interest groups – is consulted on proposed laws, to get a better idea of the possible changes to work and social situations in different countries.
Belgium has 12 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives. This advisory body is consulted on proposed laws, to ensure these laws take account of the perspective from each region of the EU.
Belgium also communicates with the EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels. As Belgium's "embassy to the EU", its main task is to ensure that the country's interests and policies are heard and pursued as much as possible in the EU.
Budgets and Funding
How much does Belgium pay and receive?
How much each EU country pays into the EU budget is calculated fairly, according to means. The larger your country's economy, the more it pays – and vice versa.
The EU budget doesn't aim to redistribute wealth, but rather focuses on the needs of Europeans as a whole.
Figures on the EU budget, revenue and spending:
EU-funded projects in Belgium
The money paid into the EU budget by Belgium helps fund programmes and projects in all EU countries - like building roads, subsidising researchers and protecting the environment.
Find out more about how Belgium benefits from EU funding.