Economy of Belgium force. One of the founding members of the European Community, Belgium strongly supports deepening the powers of the present-day European Union to integrate European economies further. About three-quarters of its trade is with other EU countries. Together with the Netherlands and Luxembourg, Belgium is also one of Benelux member states. Belgium's public debt is about 105% of GDP. The government succeeded in balancing its budget during the 2000–2008 period, and income distribution is relatively equal. Belgium began circulating the euro currency in January 2002. Economic growth and foreign direct investment dropped in 2008. In 2009 Belgium suffered negative growth and
Luxembourg in the Eurovision Song Contest 1972 UK Singles Chart, at the time by far the highest position achieved in the UK by a non-British/Irish Eurovision winner. On the night of the final Leandros performed 17th in the running order, following Belgium and preceding the Netherlands. Prior to the contest most observers had predicted a two-horse race between Luxembourg and the United Kingdom, with the Netherlands as the only other possible challenger. In the event, "Après toi" took the initiative in the first round of voting, and did not relinquish the lead throughout the whole voting procedure. The song won the contest with a score of 128