Germany and Belgium in Dialogue on Shared European Challenges
Ambassadors highlight cooperation, policy alignment, and cross-border partnership opportunities
February 19th, 2026
Within the framework of the Europanetzwerk Deutsch programme, the Goethe-Institut Brüssel, with the support of the German Embassy in Belgium, hosted a new discussion forum dedicated to German–Belgian relations and shared European challenges. The event brought together diplomatic representatives, alumni network members, and invited guests for an open exchange on political, economic, and societal developments affecting both countries.
The discussion featured Martin Kotthaus, German Ambassador to Belgium since 2018, and Piet Heirbaut, Belgium’s Ambassador to Germany. Both diplomats emphasized that Germany and Belgium are confronted with many similar challenges, including demographic change, labour shortages—particularly in education and social services—as well as questions of energy security and defence policy. Comparable political debates, such as discussions surrounding voluntary military service, further illustrate the alignment of public discourse in both countries.
At the same time, the ambassadors highlighted areas where national approaches have differed. Divergent policies regarding public debt management and energy strategies were noted, although both countries are now intensifying cooperation, particularly in North Sea wind energy projects and in the development of gas and hydrogen infrastructure. In foreign policy matters, Ambassador Kotthaus underlined the high degree of convergence between Berlin and Brussels, remarking that Germany and Belgium share nearly identical positions in the vast majority of cases.
The conversation also drew attention to the strategic importance of East Belgium as a dynamic region for cross-border cooperation, serving as a practical bridge between the two neighbouring countries. Ambassador Heirbaut, recalling his own academic experience in Germany, encouraged young Europeans to pursue academic exchange opportunities, notably through Erasmus programmes, highlighting the personal and professional value of engaging with German language and culture.
The event concluded with an animated exchange among members of the alumni network, followed by a joint lunch that further strengthened dialogue and networking. The discussion reaffirmed the close partnership between Belgium and Germany and demonstrated the value of diplomatic and cultural platforms in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation across Europe.
