Retrospective of a fascinating year for diplomacy in 2025

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Aerial view of the Gaza refugee camp

Gaza was high on the agenda in 2025, both in terms of diplomatic efforts and evacuation of entitled persons and for humanitarian aid. © Shutterstock

From strengthening international partnerships and spurring active climate and environmental diplomacy to managing crisis in challenging circumstances, discover the highlights of 2025 in our brand-new annual report.

2025 was a year of profound geopolitical change. International tensions rose, multilateralism and international law came under pressure, and the balance of power shifted. In this complex framework, our FPS has been resolutely committed to defend Belgium's interests, prosperity, values, and security.

A few highlights of 2025:

  • Stronger international partnerships achieved with Italy, Chile, Singapore, India, Vietnam, and the United States (California) through state visits and economic missions;
  • Targeted economic diplomacy, in close cooperation with the other competent institutional actors, to support Belgian businesses, exports, and investments in an increasingly competitive international environment;
  • Crisis management in challenging circumstances, including diplomatic and consular actions in Gaza, the conflict between Israel and Iran, and turmoil in Madagascar;
  • Active climate and environmental diplomacy, culminating in the ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement (BBNJ), aiming to protect high seas biodiversity;
  • Increased use of Travellers Online, an app that allows Belgian travellers outside the country to receive quick and effective assistance in emergency situations;
  • Focus on the future of diplomacy, with initiatives such as “Woman Ambassador of Tomorrow” to encourage young women to start a career in diplomacy.

Rethink network

In 2025, the FPS also launched the strategic exercise “Rethink Network” to better align the Belgian diplomatic network with the current geopolitical reality. This is how we continue to build a forward-looking, resilient network that defends our interests and values worldwide.

We will now have a stronger presence in locations where our interests are most at stake and where our efforts provide the greatest added value. Our FPS therefore remains a key player in the field of diplomacy and international cooperation.

Download the full annual report. (only available in French and Dutch)

We hope you enjoy reading it!