Since last year, the Belgian presence at this major annual event bringing together the world’s economic elite has been enhanced by a Belgium House, a stopping point on the Central Promenade of this upscale Swiss resort. Large Belgian companies such as AB InBev, Deme and Elia support the initiative while the State covers around 20% of the costs.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde are currently in Davos, as are outgoing Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Foreign Minister Bernard Quintin and Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele (main photo, center). Political leaders take part in discussion panels, attend receptions and have one or another interview that is described as “bilateral” in diplomatic circles.
Thus, Alexander De Croo saw the boss of the steel giant ArcelorMittal, while Matthias Diependaele met in particular with the CEO of the chemical group BASF and with the Catalan Minister of Foreign Affairs. The content of these discussions is rarely revealed. Moreover, we should not expect concrete agreements to be concluded in Davos. The contacts established in the Swiss station essentially serve to highlight Belgium’s strengths and to move forward on one or the other issue.
