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,
Evangelical Lutheran Church – Synod of France and Belgium Evangelical Lutheran Church – Synod of France and Belgium For logistical reasons in 2008, the Evangelical Lutheran Church - Synod of France and Belgium divided into two separate synods: the Evangelical Lutheran Church - Synod of France, (, or EEL-SF) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Belgium, (Evangelisch-Lutherse Kerk in België, or ELKB). Both are confessional Lutheran church bodies in France and in Belgium respectively. Over a dozen parishes belong to the two synods. Both the EEL-SF and ELKB are members of the European Lutheran Conference. They are also members of the International Lutheran Council, of which the Lutheran Church–Missouri