Embassy in Stockholm

Dear compatriots and friends of Belgium,  

It is with great joy that on September 30th, I visited the Royal Palace to present to His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf the letters of credence accrediting me as Ambassador of Belgium to Sweden. I was accompanied for this beautiful ceremony by the Deputy Head of Mission, Chiara Donadoni, Colonel Heylen, and two regional representatives, Marc Struyvelt (FIT) and Stephano Smars (AWEX). The official audience with His Majesty marks the beginning of my mandate in Sweden. 

Relations between Belgium and Sweden have spanned history. From the fathers of the steel industry who came from Wallonia in the 17th century to the green corridor between the ports of Antwerp-Bruges and Gothenburg, the journey we’ve accomplished is considerable. At every step, it demonstrates the affinities our two peoples share: creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, seriousness, and reliability in our joint achievements. This is no news to you: Belgians and Swedes respect and appreciate one another. So much so that over 10,000 Swedes have settled in Belgium, and the Belgian community in Sweden is growing significantly, as is the case elsewhere. 

I begin this mandate with both enthusiasm and gravitas. Enthusiasm to further develop our already excellent bilateral relations and to give them substance that can withstand the turbulence of our times. We must successfully navigate the twin digital and climate transitions, and also integrate emerging technologies that are already revolutionizing production processes. Belgium and Sweden can strengthen their partnership in these critical areas. 

Gravitas, because the peace we once took for granted on the European continent now demands new commitments from us: investment in the defense industry, proactive measures to counter hybrid threats, and resilience in supply chains… These issues are at the heart of the agendas of our two governments. Sweden and Belgium are ready to work together to contribute to a stronger Europe, firmly anchored in NATO, capable of meeting the challenges ahead and upholding its values. 

Finally, I would like to thank my Swedish and Belgian colleagues and friends who have given me such a warm welcome. 

Colette Taquet

Ambassador