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
Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest 1974 given, or just the winner announced. On the night of the final Hustin performed 11th in the running order, following Monaco and preceding the Netherlands. The voting system tried between 1971 and 1973 was abandoned, and for 1974 returned to the previous system of ten jury members in each country awarding one vote each. At the close of the voting "Fleur de liberté" had received 10 points (5 from Greece, 3 from Luxembourg and 2 from Norway), placing Belgium 9th of the 17 competing entries. Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest 1974 Belgium was represented by Jacques Hustin, with the