Despite the at times audacious statements of elected officials, Belgium is hardly a big player on the international stage. With its regional differences providing a constant source of political debate and national security no longer challenged by once hawkish neighbours, public affairs are largely introspective.
Most of the status Belgium does have is by virtue of housing the EU institutions in a compact Brussels neighbourhood. When it actually comes to putting its name out beyond EU circles, Belgium is placed on the world map thanks to its confectionery and (I would argue) cycling.
But what Belgium might lack in cultural or climatic clout it makes up for with its diplomatic attributes. In fact, its passport has been ranked the third most powerful in the world, on par with economic actors such as the US.
Had you asked me seven years ago if I would like to hold a Belgian passport I'd have been indifferent, even disinterested. Why should I? Though a lifelong Europhile with a taste for travel, there was no reason to envy another country's paperwork. If I'd have had any preference at all it would have been for France or Spain, thanks to the languages I did at school.
But nationality is bestowed upon us without our choosing, and a subsequent referendum and career opportunities in Belgium have made me keenly aware of the soft power that comes with a passport. And I'm far from being the only one – Belgium (and in particular Brussels) is awash with expats, many of us eager to affirm our belonging with an official seal.
As ever here, there are various formalities to first attend to; whilst other nations might require a longer-term commitment, there's no rushing the passage of time. Nonetheless, there are various steps that must be taken if you're to have any chance at all of one day securing that little red book.
Being aware of what they are and how to take them can be the difference between smoothly becoming Belgian or being disqualified for something you failed to do when you started living here several years ago. If that sounds like you, have a look at this overview of the process and check you're on track.
Why would you like to be Belgian? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
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1. Scandal at European Parliament: President Metsola failed to declare sponsored trips
The President of the European Parliament failed to officially declare within the mandated parliamentary deadline that she undertook several sponsored trips over the past year, Le Soir has reported. Read more.
2. Becoming Belgian: Who is eligible for citizenship, and how to apply
Applying to become Belgian when you are an international resident living in the country can seem like a complex and daunting experience. To help better understand the procedure, and why it's worth undergoing, we created a guide with the help of the Brussels Commissioner's Expat Welcome Desk. Read more.
3. Belgium among few EU countries where tourism levels increased since 2019
The lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic dealt a heavy blow to the tourism industry in Europe. Almost three years after the health crisis first hit, the sector finally seems to be rebounding, especially in Belgium. Read more.
4. Belgium narrowly escapes rare 'polar low' phenomenon for now
A rare natural phenomenon that brings a lot of snow – a "polar low" – was heading towards the Benelux countries on Wednesday, but Belgium seems to have mostly escaped for the time being. But there is a new chance on Friday. Read more.
5. Forty Flemish families receive 1,000 litres of heating oil from mystery donor
In Flanders, 40 families struggling financially living in the Antwerp municipality of Mol each received 1,000 litres of heating oil from a mysterious benefactor – an anonymous donation of some €40,000 in total. Read more.
6. Brussels attacks trial: Abdeslam to stay in cell until verdict after 'punch in the face'
One of the accused in the trial of the 22 March 2016 terror attacks in Brussels, Salah Abdeslam, stated that he would remain in his cell until the verdict is passed following an earlier complaint in which he claimed he was punched in the face by a police officer. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium : La Bellone
You can live in Brussels for years without ever knowing about La Bellone. This beautiful 17th-century baroque mansion is hidden behind a house at Rue de Flandre 46. It is now a cultural centre. Ask at the front desk for directions. Read more.
