Embassy of Belgium in the United Kingdom

Welcome to the website of the Embassy of Belgium in the United Kingdom

 

Communication from the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs: Rights of Belgian citizens in the context of Brexit

On 17 October 2019, a new agreement was concluded between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom on an orderly exit of the United Kingdom from the EU. It is essentially the same text as the one negotiated between the EU and the previous British Government, with the exception of amendments made to (1) the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland (the 'backstop' question) and (2) the (non-binding) political declaration on future relations between the EU and the United Kingdom.

The British parliament has approved the withdrawal agreement so everything is now ready legally and practically for an orderly withdrawal of the UK from the EU on 1 February 2020. The European Parliament and the council still have to give their approval this week but there are no problems foreseen.

On 1 February 2020  the transition period will start which will normally run till 31 December 2020. This transition period might be extended by one or two years. During this period The United Kingdom remains bound by EU Rules but it will no longer be present in the European institutions. Everything else stays the same. EU citizens and Brits can continue their lives as before. They can travel, live and work in the exact same conditions as before. During this period the EU and the United Kingdom will negotiate the future framework for their relations. When there is more info on this, we will update you.

Given the current developments surrounding Brexit, the information on this website is susceptible to change in light of political events. This information does not constitute legal advice, which neither the FPS Foreign Affairs nor the Belgian Embassy in London are in a position to provide.

 

Embassy
© Tom D'Haenens

 
I hope that you enjoy our website - a portal into Belgium's presence in the UK. 

Are you a Belgian citizen living in the United Kingdom or thinking of moving to the UK? Please register with the Embassy in London. Our consular services provide information about how to register, apply for identity cards and passports. Please note that since October 2011, Belgians residing in the UK have to book an appointment and come in person to the Embassy in London to apply for a new passport. 

You are interested in travelling to Belgium or would like to study, work or do business there, please check the Travel to Belgium section. If you need a visa, an easy and quick application is available via the ‘Visa Application Centre’. Details can be found on https://be.tlscontact.com/gb/LON/index.php. 

Finally, do not forget to visit our News and Events sections and join the Embassy’s Facebook page for the latest news from the Embassy of Belgium in London and feeds about events in the UK with a Belgian touch. You can also subscribe to our newsletter.

If you have any questions and/or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us on london@diplobel.fed.be. 

 

News

14 Feb

Thanks to the Kimberley Process, 98.8 percent of all rough diamonds traded worldwide are reportedly conflict-free today. Yet that percentage could still be improved. Belgium - diamond country par excellence - has taken a leading role.

13 Feb

During its two-year membership (2019-2020) of the UN Security Council, Belgium attaches great importance to ‘children and armed conflict’. The theme also occupies a central position during the Belgian presidency of the Security Council (February 2020).

13 Feb

Today, the United Nations Security Council is holding a debate on transitional justice. Belgium, which presides over the Security Council this month, is putting it on the agenda. Through this action, our country wants to step up the fight against impunity, with the ultimate goal of social reconciliation.

12 Feb

Belgium is putting the issue of children in armed conflict on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council, which our country presides over this month. February 12 is the “International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers”, and our country will use that symbolic day to issue a call to action. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense Philippe Goffin will chair the briefing at the UNSC on integrating child protection measures into peace processes. King Filip will address the UNSC on behalf of our country.

09 Feb

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense Philippe Goffin is on his way to New York as part of the Belgian Presidency of the UN Security Council. The four-day visit will be intense, as it is full of encounters and meetings. On Tuesday and Wednesday (11-12/2) he will also participate in several activities with the King and Queen.