Foreign relations of Belgium sanctioned the creation of Belgium in 1831 on the condition that the country remain strictly neutral. This policy of neutrality ended after the experience of German occupation during World War I. In the years preceding World War II, Belgium tried to return to a policy of neutrality, but once again, Germany invaded the country. In 1948, Belgium signed the Treaty of Brussels with the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, and one year later became one of the founding members of the Atlantic Alliance. The Belgians have been strong advocates of European integration, and most aspects of their foreign,
Belgium–France relations Belgium–France relations Belgium–France relations refer to interstate relations between Belgium and France. Relations were established after the independence of Belgium. Both nations are great allies. Both nations have cultural similarities, both governments cooperate and Belgium has an embassy in Paris, while France has an embassy in Brussels. Both nations are members of NATO and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie and both were founding members of the European Union. In May 2007, French President Nicolas Sarkozy visited Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt. In February 2008, Prime Minister Verhofstadt visited President Sarkozy. In feb. 2014 King Philippe and Queen Mathilde visited