Switzerland and the Kingdom of Belgium have much in common: multilingualism, two shared national languages (French and German), a federalist state structure and a comparable land area and population. Both countries are also home to numerous international institutions and organisations. Relations are good and diplomatic, economic, cultural and personal exchanges are extensive and friendly.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Belgium
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Belgium and Switzerland work closely and well together at the bilateral level. Some of the key areas of cooperation are science and innovation, combating terrorism, education and European policy. In the multilateral arena, the two countries pursue common goals, particularly within the framework of the UN. The two countries often support each other's candidacies in international organisations.
Economic cooperation
Belgium and Switzerland are major trading partners and have very close economic relations. The volume of trade in 2023 totalled around CHF 9.2 billion, making Belgium Switzerland's 13th largest trading partner. In that year, Switzerland exported goods worth around CHF 5.2 billion to Belgium, while imports to Switzerland totalled CHF 4 billion. Pharmaceutical products made up the majority of goods traded. The Belgian economy has a similar structure to the Swiss economy, with a high proportion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a well-developed service sector and a lack of natural resources. The port of Antwerp plays an important role in Switzerland's trade relations.
Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Swiss Chamber of Commerce for Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Belgium is an important partner in the field of research and innovation. Universities in the two countries cooperate in various ways and there is significant project-based collaboration between scientists and researchers. Swiss universities, especially EPFL and ETH Zurich, are very popular with Belgian students.
Researchers and artists with Belgian citizenship can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship. Applications should be sent to the Swiss embassy in Brussels.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Cultural exchanges
Switzerland and Belgium maintain very close cultural relations, particularly in the fields of music, dance, the visual arts, film, theatre and festivals. The Swiss embassy publishes a comprehensive monthly cultural bulletin presenting the activities of Swiss artists in Belgium. The two common national languages also provide an interesting platform for cultural exchanges.
Various Swiss artists working in Belgium are supported by Pro Helvetia. The Swiss embassy promotes Swiss cultural activities in Belgium with selected events and projects.
Swiss nationals in Belgium
At the end of 2023, there were 8,651 Swiss nationals living in Belgium.
History of bilateral relations
Belgium was the third country to open an embassy in Switzerland in 1840. In 1918, Switzerland opened an embassy in Brussels.
King Albert I, a keen mountaineer, introduced the Belgian royal family's tradition of regular visits to Switzerland. Leopold III lived in exile in Switzerland from 1945–50. After his abdication, his son, King Baudouin I, continued to cultivate good relations with Switzerland and was received in Switzerland on a state visit in 1989. In November 2000, King Albert II paid a state visit to Switzerland. In 2022, the then president of the Swiss Confederation, Ignazio Cassis, was invited by King Philippe for a state visit to Belgium.
