Belgium Strengthens Transatlantic Ties During High-Level Mission to California- Nov 2025
Belgium Strengthens Transatlantic Ties During High-Level Mission to California
In early October 2025, the Belgian Economic Mission to California, led by Her Royal Highness Princess
Astrid of Belgium, Representative of His Majesty the King, concluded a nine-day visit that brought
together more than 500 Belgian business, government, and academic leaders for over 100 engagements
across San Francisco and Los Angeles.
The mission produced 59 new trade and cooperation agreements across key sectors (including clean
technology, life sciences, aerospace, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation) reaffirming Belgium’s
role as a leading transatlantic partner in research, investment, and sustainability.
The United States remains Belgium’s largest non-EU trading partner, representing a $62 billion economic
relationship that supports more than 230,000 American jobs and includes over 900 U.S. companies
operating in Belgium.
During the visit, Governor Gavin Newsom and the Belgian delegation signed a Memorandum of
Understanding to deepen bilateral ties in trade and innovation. In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass
welcomed Princess Astrid and the delegation for discussions on green infrastructure, clean mobility, and
sustainable development in the lead-up to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The mission also included meetings with leaders from Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, Amazon, and
Telesign, emphasizing new opportunities in artificial intelligence, data management, and the creative
industries.
Among the few members of the press invited, I had the opportunity to speak with Belgium’s
Ambassador to the United States, Frédéric Bernard, who provided valuable insight into the mission’s
goals and its long-term strategic importance. (Photo of Ambassador Bernard and me)
Later that day, Princess Astrid presided over a ceremony celebrating several of the partnerships formed
during the mission. After the ceremony I had the privilege of speaking briefly with Her Royal Highness;
she was exceptionally warm, gracious, and generous with her time. (Photo of Princess Astrid and me)
Following the ceremony, the reception took place on the spectacular Dolby Family Terrace atop the
David Geffen Theater at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The gathering was vibrant yet
relaxed, perfect for conversation and connection. Guests enjoyed elegant hors d’oeuvres and drinks
while hundreds of Belgians took in the panoramic views of Los Angeles. As someone born and raised in
Belgium, it felt like home to be surrounded by so many compatriots.
Guests received a bag of thoughtful parting gifts that included complimentary tickets to “Tarantino
Live,” the high-energy stage production presented inside the magnificent SPIEGELTENT at CineVita in
Inglewood, a stunning hand-crafted wooden tent built by a renowned Belgian artisan, considered among
the finest in the world. The show was enormous fun for both Tarantino fans and newcomers alike.
About the Belgian Economic Mission:
The Belgian Economic Mission to California (October 4–12, 2025) is organized in
collaboration with Belgian federal and regional authorities. Led by H.R.H. Princess Astrid of
Belgium, the mission will bring together over 500 participants for more than 70 activities in
San Francisco and Los Angeles, including B2B meetings, site visits, academic exchanges,
and signing ceremonies. The mission highlights Belgium’s commitment to strengthening
transatlantic partnerships, promoting innovation, and creating new opportunities for trade
and investment.
Learn more: www.belgianeconomicmission.be