UK and Belgium: A History of Collaboration
The key agreement shaping the relationship between the UK and the Kingdom of Belgium has been the Cultural Agreement signed on 17 June 1946. For decades, this pact guided cultural exchanges and cooperation, with active implementation until 1995.
Fast forward to 1990, when a new chapter in scientific collaboration was written. A scientific agreement was signed between the British Council, CGRI, and FNRS, driving research partnerships throughout the 1990s. However, this agreement was discontinued by the British Council in 1998.
Yet, collaboration found a way back in 2008. At the request of the British government, a renewed focus on scientific cooperation emerged under Prime Minister Gordon Brown. This included research missions, hosting researchers, and seminar participation, reigniting the spirit of cooperation. Unfortunately, the programme was again paused after a while.
Then, in 2018, a new chapter opened in education. The agreement between the British Council and Belgium was updated to expand the Conversation Assistants Scheme. This initiative supports language teachers by sending conversation assistants to work on oral skills. The number of assistants allowed in each country increased from 7 to 10, further strengthening educational ties.