Embassy of Belgium in Greece and Cyprus

| 🇧🇪 Each week, we share the latest Belgian news.
1️⃣ The recent Backyard world championship saw three Belgians break an ultra-running record. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/sport/three-belgian-runners-break-world-record?fbclid=IwY2xjawGW181leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSrafOxK28R2hWkoRlO-Oc3O94c0mfgULma8zC-5IpE2K8QRqfUrWfzsLQ_aem__DjY15kRCrncdPjicifh3g © Pexels
2️⃣ Resistance to one antifungal drug can actually increase the effectiveness of another, KU Leuven researchers have discovered. 🔗https://focusonbelgium.be/en/science/kul-researchers-make-important-antifungal-drug-discovery?fbclid=IwY2xjawGW9wVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHT24ccwqdvRy0W_R4EROgRE84hduNVbK0pp41HzHHRYIzgW5qWXSbbXguA_aem_OvnayGdMbewRPu7JpJ_Mpw © Pixabay
3️⃣ Baloji, a Belgian-Congolese director, has won the award for Best Special Visual Project at the UK Music Video Awards. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/international/baloji-wins-uk-music-video-award?fbclid=IwY2xjawGW9yRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcZZr-z3ODyXOrMukffrbdE6U2XXBEWcK9rlwHHGXSmKeHMVt3KfuokKPQ_aem_37pv-1ctGTjVpv_ubgbUBw © Vancouver Film School
4️⃣ A Belgian water treatment company has the goal to reuse heat from wastewater to heat up buildings. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/science/harnessing-cleaned-water-renewable-energy-source?fbclid=IwY2xjawGW9z1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdlzUTgC2oUc3bpHCtadFXjeDRjbqSBQTTnO05XQwcN9SYV_ZFrTv1KohA_aem_QF--3tP2fqZoKGHSePYIBg © Pexels
5️⃣ A historic document from Queen Elizabeth I of England to a Ghent official was saved at the last minute from an auction. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/international/letter-queen-elizabeth-i-soon-back-home-ghent?fbclid=IwY2xjawGW90tleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHT24ccwqdvRy0W_R4EROgRE84hduNVbK0pp41HzHHRYIzgW5qWXSbbXguA_aem_OvnayGdMbewRPu7JpJ_Mpw © Pixabay

On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the Belgian embassy in Athens🇧🇪 draws attention to the numerous deaths and suffering of journalists and media workers driven by their commitment to inform the public during these highly turbulent times of war. 🕊️

This day highlights the necessity of ending the culture of impunity and ensuring a safe environment for journalists to perform independently in all countries.🌍

The safety of journalists is the foundation of a free and informed society.🛡️

▶️ Sorry, we are closed today!
✨ For emergency matters, you can reach us on the emergency phone.
🔴 Find out about embassy closing days here:
https://greece.diplomatie.belgium.be/.../emb.../closing-days

📢 The new Fall edition of our newsletter is here! After his first full summer in Greece, Ambassador Calcoen has plenty to share. Plus, catch up on consular news, cultural events, and more.

Visit our website to read more and subscribe to our newsletter and never miss another one: https://greece.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/newsletter

| 🇧🇪 Each week, we share the latest Belgian news.

1️⃣ Thousands of people pass through Place Royale on the Coudenberg in the heart of Brussels every day. Few realise that history was written just a few metres beneath their feet. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/events/expo-under-ground-revealed-palace © Creative commons
2️⃣ Belgian bioengineer Bram Govaerts contributes to reducing hunger and malnutrition while fostering greater global stability by improving food security. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/science/international-maize-and-wheat-improvement-center-cimmyt-enlists-belgian-bioengineer-address © Pixabay
3️⃣ A Belgian baritone has been officially hailed best new opera singer in the Netherlands. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/international/antwerp-based-baritone-leander-carlier-wins-top-prize-dutch-aria-competition © Leen Vandenhende
4️⃣ Learn about the life of the woman who raised nursing to a professional level in Belgium: Sister Jules-Marie Heymans. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/Do%20you%20know%20these%20Belgians/jules-marie-heymans © Erfgoedhuis Zusters van Liefde
5️⃣ Belgian researchers have discovered how the scarring process takes place under our skin. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/science/better-understanding-scarring-process © Pixabay

Today we celebrate Greece’s 🇬🇷 historic “No” on October 28, 1940! When Italian dictator Mussolini demanded access through Greece to reach the Suez Canal, Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas bravely refused, standing up to the Axis powers. This powerful “No” reminds us of the courage and resilience that define the Greek spirit! 💪

Did you know that during World War I, Belgium also said “no” to Germany’s request to pass through our country ? This refusal marked the beginning of Belgium’s involvement in World War I, leading to a brutal occupation but also showcasing our nation’s bravery and determination. 🛡️🇧🇪

This shared history of bravery and striving for peace unites us.🤝🌿
Let’s honour the spirit of Oxi Day and remember the strength it takes to stand up for what is right!

In the framework of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 🇭🇺🇪🇺, the Hungarian embassy in Athens organised a gathering with all the EU Heads of Mission in Athens this week.

Ambassador Marc Calcoen🇧🇪 had the pleasure to assist in this event with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic Giorgos Gerapetritis.🇬🇷🤝 The Minister shared his perspectives on regional and global challenges and highlighted the most important political issues of Greek Foreign Policy.

It's game day! 🇧🇪 ⚽

At 7PM tonight, Belgium and Greece face off in the first leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League Qualifiers at Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium in Heraklion, Crete.

We're cheering on our team all the way from Athens - go Belgium! 💪


UEFA Women's Champions League

Today, we send our congratulations to the Duchess of Brabant, Princess Elisabeth, for her 23rd birthday ! 🎂

As the first child of Their Majesties, the King and Queen of the Belgians 🇧🇪👑, she has already obtained her two-year course International Bacalaureate at the Atlantic College in Wales in the UK🇬🇧, which she finished with a year at the Royal Military Academy in Belgium in Social and Military Sciences🎓🪖.

She is now pursuing a Master in Public Policy at Harvard University in Cambridge in the US 🇺🇸.

📷 Max Bueno via Belgische Monarchie Monarchie belge Belgian Monarchy

Today we join the world in celebrating the United Nations Day🌍, the birth of this global organisation striving for global peace and unity. Still to this day the UN is fostering international cooperation🤝, promoting human rights, and working towards a better future for all.
As a founding member of the UN, Belgium takes pride in our country’s active role within the organisation, contributing to peacekeeping missions🕊️, humanitarian aid🚑, and sustainable development projects.🌱
Belgium also contributes over €100 million per year to the UN’s humanitarian crisis response that has supported the most vulnerable population groups in many conflicts.

By the way, did you know Greece was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term? Do you know when Belgium🇧🇪 last participated as a non-permanent member?

This year’s theme for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is “ending social and institutional maltreatment”, with a call to action for just, peaceful and inclusive societies.🌍✊

The embassy of Belgium🇧🇪 in Athens highlights the importance of addressing together the hidden dimensions of poverty and the urgent need to address social and institutional maltreatment and ensuring that everyone has access to fundamental human rights.

Together we can create a more inclusive society for all.🌟

On this World Food Day🌍, let’s focus on the approximately 733 million people still facing hunger due to natural catastrophes, conflicts, economic crises and inequality.

Belgium flexibly contributes to FAO to enhance food security in crisis-hit areas through FAO’s Special Fund for Emergency and Rehabilitation Activities (SFERA) mechanism, ensuring FAO can act faster and smarter to help those in need.🤝🇧🇪

Together, let’s continue striving for global food security where anyone has access to diverse, nutritious, affordable, safe and tasty food!

Today, on the Day Against the Death Penalty, we unite with civil society, political leaders, lawyers, and the public to challenge the misconception that the death penalty enhances safety. It undermines human dignity and disproportionately affects marginalised groups. The World Coalition is an alliance of 160 NGO’s, bar associations, local authorities and unions worldwide, dedicated to ending capital punishment worldwide. World Coalition has received political and financial support from Belgium 🇧🇪.
Let’s address the root causes of crime and violence to create safer societies. Belgium supports the global call to abolish the death penalty❌.

| 🇧🇪 Each week, we share the latest Belgian news.

1️⃣ The fifth edition of the ‘Focus on Belgium’ photo contest has once again yielded some beautiful photos. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/lifestyle/photo-contest-and-winners-are © Belgium MFA / Stefan Agten

2️⃣ Belgian elite cyclist and defending world champion Lotte Kopecky has earned herself another year in the rainbow jersey. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/sport/lotte-kopecky-defends-her-world-championship-title © Shutterstock

3️⃣ A restoration campaign for the 1129 Norbertine Abbey in Heverlee, near Leuven, uncovered a striking and colourful find. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/culture/colourful-13-century-murals-discovered-park-abbey-leuven © Creative commons

4️⃣ The Fontenoy sugar factory has obtained B Corp certification. It's the first sugar factory in the world to be able to display this sustainability label. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/business/belgium-home-worlds-first-refinery-be-awarded-b-corp-sustainability-label © Pixabay

5️⃣ A Belgian businessman has reached out to distillers from Belgium and the Netherlands to create the first European whisky. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/lifestyle/european-whisky-jar-thanks-belgian © Pixabay

🇨🇾 Happy Cyprus Independence Day! 🇨🇾

Today, we celebrate the independence, courage, and unity of Cyprus.

Last chance! ⏳ Today is the final day to visit the Street Art Belgium Exhibition at the Institut français de Grèce - Γαλλικό Ινστιτούτο Ελλάδος (31 Sina str.)!

🎨 As part of the Journée de la Francophonie festival, this exhibition showcases stunning street art from around the world by talented Belgian artists. 🇧🇪

✨ Don’t miss out – stop by before it closes today! 🖼️

Happy World Tourism Day! 🌍✈️

Today we’re highlighting the special connection between Belgium and Greece. 🇧🇪🇬🇷

Did you know that Greece is a top summer destination for Belgian tourists? 🌞 Check out our slideshow for fun facts about Belgian tourism in Greece! 📊🌴

We are happy to introduce our new intern, Anastasia Apostolidis! 🎉

As a half Belgian 🇧🇪 and half Greek 🇬🇷, she always wanted to represent her home country, Belgium. Greece is the perfect place for her, as she cherishes her Hellenic roots. 🌿✨ She is only 21 years old but already completed her Master's degree in International Relations 🎓, focusing on the Mediterranean region, at the Centre international de formation européenne (Cife). She is passionate about sustainability 🌍, healthy living 🥗, pertinent communication 💬, as well as diplomacy 🤝, solidarity, and cooperation 🌐.

Anastasia speaks both Flemish and French as her mother tongues, she’s also proficient in English, with conversational skills in Greek 🇬🇷 and Spanish 🇪🇸, making her an asset to our team! 🌟 She will be with us for three months and is already building experience in the communication and consular departments.

Welcome, Anastasia! 👋🎉

🎬✨ The AnimaSyros Festival is back, brining an awesome of animated films to the beautiful capital of the Cyclades, Syros! 🇬🇷🎉

As one of the capitals of animation, Belgium is represented at this year’s festival with five incredible animations from Belgian creators including Villa Madjo and What's inside that crate?, along with the official trailer for Anima Festival 2024, the Brussels International Animation Film Festival. 🇧🇪🎥

👉 Check out the official schedule on their page : ANIMASYROS International Animation Festival

🌍🎉 We proudly participated in the Journée de la Francophonie organized at the IFG, joining other Embassies to celebrate our shared French language and culture! 🇧🇪🇫🇷

Our contribution for this year was Street Art Belgium – a photo exhibition featuring works of various Belgian artists around the world. The exhibition was officially opened by Ambassador Calcoen on Saturday afternoon!

📸 Don’t miss out! You can still visit the exhibition until the end of the week at Le Maya Bistro at the IFG.

🙏🏻 A special thanks to everyone who joined us, and to the Institut français de Grèce - Γαλλικό Ινστιτούτο Ελλάδος for their support in making this event possible.

🌎 🚴 Happy World Car-Free Day! 🚶 🌍

Today, we join the global celebration of World Car-Free Day by taking a step toward more sustainable transportation. At the Embassy, we are proud to say that 8 out of our 12 diplomats and employees already choose to leave their cars at home, commuting by foot 👣 or public transport 🚌 on a daily basis!

This year in Athens, there’s even ore reason to celebrate! Athinas Street, one of the city’s most commercial avenues, will be transformed into a car-free festival space filled with activities for everyone to enjoy!
For more info, visit This is Athens .

Let’s all take this opportunity to experience our cities in a greener, more people-friendly way!

| 🇧🇪 Each week, we share the latest Belgian news.

1️⃣ Belgium’s finest cyclists showed their worth last week at the European cycling championships. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/sport/good-european-cycling-championship-belgium © Shutterstock

2️⃣ Belgian researchers are succeeding in increasing the life expectancy of patients with recurrent malignant brain tumours. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/science/towards-better-treatment-brain-tumours © Shutterstock

3️⃣ The 48th edition of the Memorial Van Damme, a legendary athletics event in Belgium, was one for the history books. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/sport/historical-edition-memorial-van-damme © Creative commons

4️⃣ Belgian satellite manufacturer Aerospacelab has inaugurated its first production plant in California. 🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/business/aerospacelab-opened-its-first-us-satellite-manufacturing-facility © Pixabay

5️⃣ Did you know that Belgium has some of the finest tram conductors in the world, based on results from the European Tramdriver Championship?
🔗 https://focusonbelgium.be/en/international/two-belgian-medalsfor-tram-conducting © Pixabay