Skip to Content

Our past events


The Belgian Consular Union regularly organises activities aimed at introducing its members to Belgian, European and international institutions, as well as the role of honorary consul, its functions and its ethical values. Through its activities, it is committed to the development of international relations, the establishment of a sustainable dialogue and the promotion of diplomacy between states.


Discover below the report of our latest activities: 

Text

 BCU Gala Dinner & Award 2025 

On Wednesday 26 November 2025, the Belgian Consular Union (BCU) held its annual Gala at the Universitaire Fondation of Brussels.

The evening took place in an elegant and warm atmosphere. The BCU was pleased to present the prestigious BCU Award 2025 to Denis Van Weynbergh, skipper of the yacht D'Ieteren Group and the only Belgian to have participated in the Vendée Globe, the largest solo, non-stop and unassisted sailing race around the world.

His speech, filled with passion and humility, captivated all the guests and made this evening an exceptional moment, in line with the values upheld by the BCU: excellence, commitment and the prominence of Belgium on the international stage.

A big thank you to the diplomats, senior officials and members present for contributing to making this event a great success.

 See the Portfolio 

OUR MISSION

Strasbourg: visit to the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights


Members of the BCU had the privilege of participating in a rich and informative visit to Strasbourg, organised by the Belgian Consular Union (BCU) and the European Federation of Honorary Consuls (EFCAC). This experience provided an in-depth immersion within the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights, enhancing the understanding of their essential role in defending democracy, human rights, the rule of law and diplomacy.

Highlights of the programme:

Exclusive visit to the chamber of the Parliamentary Assembly, where its President and our colleague Rik Daems spoke about the role of the Assembly and the achievements made.

Enriching exchanges with Ms Despina Chatziassiliou, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly, and Mr Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Immersion in the workings of the European Court of Human Rights, guided by experts and a judge of the Court.

Discovery of the historical sites of Strasbourg

Beyond the knowledge gained, this meeting fostered authentic exchanges between consular representatives, strengthening our common commitment to diplomacy and international cooperation.

A big thank you to the organisers for the quality and smoothness of this programme, particularly to our colleague Baron Jean-Jacques Haus and Mr. Guy Meyer, who excellently managed this event. Looking forward to future exchanges and an always enriching collaboration.

BCU Academy — Training of the Honorary Consul 

In 2024, the Belgian Consular Union (BCU) launched its first edition of the BCU Academy, dedicated to the training of the honorary consul. Hosted in the prestigious setting of the Universitaire Fondation of Brussels, this inaugural evening fully lived up to its promises, bringing together two exceptional speakers for high-level training.

Four leading speakers succeeded each other brilliantly: 

H.E. the Ambassador Olivier Belle traced the history of the consular institution with remarkable clarity; 

Professor Christian Behrendt, himself an honorary consul, provided a rigorous and valuable legal analysis; , lui-même consul honoraire, a offert une analyse juridique rigoureuse et précieuse ; 

H.E. the Ambassador Hubert Roisin illuminated the subtleties of consular protocol with elegance; 

finally, H.E. the honorary Ambassador, Prof. Raoul Delcorde, shared a unique diplomatic experience, combining depth and authenticity. 

The evening concluded with a question-and-answer session, followed by a reception allowing for rich exchanges among participants.

This first edition of the BCU Academy was a celebrated success, which bodes well for future editions. 

BCU Gala Dinner & Award 2024 

 Le vendredi 8 novembre 2024, la Belgian Consular Union a orchestré une soirée de Gala d'exception au Cercle Royal Gaulois de Bruxelles, réunissant dans un cadre somptueux une assemblée élégante pour un dîner de prestige. La soirée a  vibré au rythme d'un moment d'émotion  : la remise du BCU Award 2024 au Baron Axel Vervoordt, figure rayonnante de la culture et de l'excellence belge. 

 Voir le Portfolio