History of Belgium History of Belgium The history of Belgium extends before the founding of the modern state of that name in 1830. Belgium's history is therefore intertwined with those of its neighbours: the Netherlands, Germany, France and Luxembourg. For most of its history, what is now Belgium was either a part of a larger territory, such as the Carolingian Empire, or divided into a number of smaller states, prominent among them being the Duchy of Brabant, the County of Flanders, the Prince-Bishopric of Liège and County of Luxembourg. Due to its strategic location and the many armies fighting on its soil, since
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