Belgium and Greece share more than a place on the European map — they share a history of foreign occupation, a quirk of language, and a growing economic partnership, according to the Belgian Ambassador to Greece, Marc Calcoen, speaking in the latest episode of To Vima International’s Ambassadors Series.
The Ambassador opened by drawing an unexpected parallel between the two nations: both were ruled by foreign powers for centuries, an experience he suggested left a shared legacy — including, with a touch of humour, a mutual tradition of tax evasion. He also noted a curious linguistic trap for Dutch-speaking Belgians arriving in Greece: the word “nei” means “no” in Dutch and “yes” in Greek, a confusion he admitted takes some getting used to.
On the economic front, the Ambassador described the bilateral trade relationship as significantly imbalanced in Belgium’s favour, with Belgium exporting roughly two billion euros’ worth of goods to Greece annually compared to approximately half a billion in the other direction. He pointed to untapped opportunities, particularly in Greek agricultural exports. Greek wine, he noted, remains virtually unknown in Belgium despite its quality, and authentic Greek feta cheese could make greater inroads in a market currently dominated by imitations from northern Europe. A recent bilateral seminar on defence cooperation was also highlighted as a promising new avenue, reflecting Europe’s broader push to increase defence spending.
Belgium is also emerging as an investor in Greece’s growing tech sector, attracted by the country’s highly educated workforce — many of whom had previously emigrated during the economic crisis but are now returning.
Tourism remains a strong connector between the two countries, with around 600,000 Belgian visitors travelling to Greece each year. While the Ambassador praised Greece’s appeal, he cautioned authorities to monitor the risks of overtourism, citing Corfu’s ratio of four million annual visitors to a resident population of just 100,000 as a striking example of the pressures involved.
The Ambassador also reflected on the deep historical ties between the two nations, noting that Belgium and Greece both gained independence in 1830 and will soon jointly mark their bicentenaries. He attended the recent 200th anniversary of the Exodus of Mesolongi, describing it as a vivid reminder of how powerfully Greeks connect with their history.
Finally, Mr Calcoen expressed his appreciation for the role Greece was playing in the volatile Southeastern Mediterranean region as a force of stability.
