America News Agency

Belgium's Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation submitted its 2025 annual report on international cooperation to the Federal Parliament.

The report stated that, amid growing geopolitical tensions, climate challenges and humanitarian crises, international cooperation continues to be one of the key instruments of Belgian foreign policy. It noted that while international cooperation contributes to addressing global challenges, it also supports Belgium's security, economic opportunities and stability.

Belgium was reported to be linking its international cooperation more closely to areas such as climate, economic development, investment, sustainable value chains, knowledge sharing and security. The report said that, alongside the diplomatic network, Enabel, the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO), civil society organizations, universities, companies and multilateral partners work toward shared objectives. The European Union is also used as a tool to create broader impact and strengthen Belgium's international influence.

The report stated that Belgium focuses on areas where it can provide added value, including support for innovative projects aimed at transferring mRNA technology to strengthen partner countries' capacity to prepare for future health crises. Through the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), Belgium also contributes to improving weather and climate information in vulnerable countries, which is considered important for climate change adaptation, disaster prevention and food security.

Global health, stability and humanitarian assistance were also identified as priority areas in international cooperation.

The report also included the findings of a recent study on international academic cooperation. According to the study, every 1 euro invested in academic cooperation generates an average return of 2.1 euros for Belgium. International cooperation was also said to contribute to the development of knowledge, innovation and international networks in Belgium.

Partnerships based on sustainable value chains and investment were also reported to have the potential to support local economic development and contribute to the creation of more diversified and reliable supply chains for Belgium and Europe.

The report emphasized that results, transparency and accountability are core elements of Belgium's development policy. It stated that allocated funds are monitored through monitoring, evaluation, audits and external controls, and that the annual report demonstrates not only how public resources are used but also the impact of investments on people and communities around the world.