Foreign minister announces major reorganisation of Belgium's diplomatic network
Belgium’s network of diplomatic posts abroad is set for a significant restructuring. Foreign minister Maxime Prévot has announced plans to strengthen around 20 missions and open five new ones, while eight posts will close, including those in Havana and Kuwait City. Prévot says the overhaul is necessary given the rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
A wide-ranging diplomatic network provides Belgium with “eyes and ears” around the world, serving as essential links between the country and its international partners. However, as global dynamics shift, the structure of this network must adapt accordingly, Prévot says.
“Trade and tariff wars are forcing us to rethink our network of partners and diversify our reach and influence," he said.
"Armed conflicts are increasing, reaching Europe’s borders and leading to a massive reorientation of several strategic economic sectors. Development cooperation worldwide is facing budget cuts, which – in addition to geopolitical factors – necessitate a review of how we operate."
Posts set to close
The reshuffle will take place in 2026 and 2027. Eight diplomatic missions will close, in Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina), Conakry (Guinea), Bamako (Mali), Maputo (Mozambique), Havana (Cuba), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Kuwait City (Kuwait) and Guangzhou (China).
Prévot says the move is not driven by cost-cutting. “The closures do not detract from the importance we continue to attach to our bilateral relations with the countries involved," he said. "We will not be absent from these countries; we will be present there in a different way."
Five new posts will open, including embassies in Tirana in Albania and Muscat in Oman, while several existing missions will receive additional staff. A pool of “flying diplomats” will also be created, a flexible group able to respond quickly to crises, cover long-term absences or provide temporary support where needed.
Belgian minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot © PHOTO NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP
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