US embassy in Brussels moves to Etterbeek

The US government has bought the Cours Saint-Michel in Etterbeek. It wants to house its embassy for Belgium and diplomatic representation to the European Union there, the embassy reports.

The Americans struck a deal with real estate companies Immobel and Besix RED, which owned the site since December 2018. The site is about 4 hectares, within walking distance of the Merode and Thieffry metro stations. 

"That we need a new site is mainly due to the expansion of bilateral and multilateral diplomatic ties. The two posts are working more closely than ever with Belgian and European partners on many issues," reads an announcement. 

Ambassadors have been working at the current US embassy since the First World War. The country has owned the building near Brussels Park since 1947.

The US diplomatic representation to NATO is not moving, it will remain at NATO headquarters in Evere.

^{© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}