The Swiss in Belgium

The Union Suisse de Bruxelles developed as a result of the arrival of many Swiss commercial travellers in Brussels, an international trading hub since the Middle Ages. There was even a Swiss hotel in the centre of Brussels to accommodate them. The Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Belgium dates back to 1898.

Belgian gastronomy is renowned. A Swiss pastry chef from Zurich ran a bakery in Brussels for many years. He was the father of the current president of the Union Suisse de Bruxelles.

The Société Suisse de Liège was founded in 1904. Initially, it was a charitable organisation established by Professor Arthur de Senarclens, born in Morges in the canton of Vaud. He came to Belgium to take up a post as a Professor of Law at the University of Liège. In 1905, he was the General Commissioner for the Swiss section of the Liège International Exposition. At that time, Swiss craftsmen were in demand, particularly in the textile industry in Verviers and the glass industry in Liège. 

There was also a tradition of Swiss pastors in Belgium who looked after these new communities. Social welfare did not exist, so in cases of serious hardship, the Société Suisse offered moral and financial support.

During World War II, the Swiss Red Cross sent food packages to Swiss nationals in Belgium. Children were also temporarily hosted by Swiss families. After the war, Swiss citizens came to Belgium to contribute to the country's reconstruction and industrial development.

Many ships from the Swiss merchant navy or sailing under the Swiss flag passed through the port of Antwerp. Additionally, some adventurous Swiss families emigrated to America and Canada, departing from Antwerp by ship, as documented by the Red Star Line Museum (1873–1934). But not all the Swiss families were able to embark and some ended up settling in Antwerp.

There are around 8,000 Swiss citizens in Belgium. Many hold dual nationality and are well integrated. Bilateral agreements with the European Union have facilitated the free movement of people. The proximity to Switzerland and modern communication methods have somewhat reduced the attraction of Swiss clubs.

Students come to Belgium for its renowned art schools (music, film, theatre, dance, circus), higher education studies in the medical field, and university exchange programmes.

Belgium has three national languages: French in the south, Flemish in the north, and German! In fact, in the east of Belgium, near the German border, there is a recognised German-speaking minority. Brussels is officially a bilingual city (French-Flemish) but is, in reality, highly multilingual and multicultural.

Euregio: This is a cross-border community comprising the region of Liège in Belgium, Maastricht in the Netherlands, and Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle) in Germany. Since 2015, Swiss clubs from these three regions have organised various meetings in different countries.

• Union Suisse de Bruxelles: Organises a New Year's meal in a Swiss specialty restaurant, excursions, cultural visits, a lottery with Swiss products, and the National Day celebration on 1 August, featuring activities such as flag throwing, alphorn players, a torchlight procession, and fireworks. 
  usbrxl@gmail.com
• Société Suisse de Tir de Bruxelles: Organises sports shooting events.
• Société Suisse de Liège-Verviers: Organises the National Day celebration on 1 August, featuring a meal and entertainment, excursions, cultural and sports activities, and jass tournaments.info@suisseliege.be | www.suisseliege.be
• Société Suisse d’Anvers: Organises New Year and 1 August National Day meals.

Embassy of Switzerland in Belgium: Handles bilateral relations, economic and cultural exchanges. Please note that consular affairs (such as passport and ID card renewals) have been managed by the Regional Consular Centre Benelux in The Hague, Netherlands, since 2012. Honorary Consulates in Liège and Antwerp. Mission of Switzerland to the European Union: Manages bilateral relations with the EU.