Which countries share a border with Belgium?
Belgium is a small country located in Western Europe that shares borders with four other countries and the North Sea. The country’s strategic location has played a crucial role in shaping its history and economy. Belgium’s borders with the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and France have a rich cultural and political history. Additionally, the country’s maritime border with the North Sea has facilitated trade and commerce between Belgium and other European countries.
The Netherlands: The northern neighbor of Belgium
Belgium shares a land border with the Netherlands, its northern neighbor. The border is 450 kilometers long and runs from the North Sea coast to the Belgian-German border. The two countries have a long history of cultural, economic, and political ties, with Dutch being one of the official languages of Belgium. The border between the two countries is open, and there are no border controls. The two countries have also jointly managed the Scheldt River, which flows through both countries and is a vital waterway for trade.
Germany: The eastern neighbor of Belgium
Belgium shares a land border with Germany, its eastern neighbor. The border is 167 kilometers long and runs from the Belgian-Dutch border to the Belgian-Luxembourg border. The border between the two countries has undergone significant changes in recent history due to territorial disputes and the aftermath of World War I and II. Today, the border is open, and there are no border controls. The two countries have a strong economic relationship, with Germany being one of Belgium’s largest trading partners.
Luxembourg: The southern neighbor of Belgium
Belgium shares a land border with Luxembourg, its southern neighbor. The border is 148 kilometers long and runs from the Belgian-German border to the Belgian-French border. The two countries have a long history of economic and political cooperation, and the border between the two countries is open, with no border controls. Luxembourg is an important financial center, and many Belgian companies have subsidiaries in the country.
France: The western neighbor of Belgium
Belgium shares a land border with France, its western neighbor. The border is 620 kilometers long and runs from the North Sea coast to the Belgian-Luxembourg border. The border between the two countries has a rich historical and cultural significance, with both countries having a significant impact on each other’s language, cuisine, and art. The border between the two countries is open, and there are no border controls. France is one of Belgium’s largest trading partners, with a strong economic relationship between the two countries.
The North Sea: The maritime neighbor of Belgium
Belgium shares a maritime border with the North Sea, which is an important waterway for trade and commerce. The North Sea provides access to the English Channel, which connects Belgium to other European countries. The North Sea is also a vital source of fish and oil for Belgium.
Historical context of Belgium’s borders
Belgium’s borders have undergone significant changes throughout history due to territorial disputes and political alliances. Belgium gained independence from the Netherlands in 1830 and has since then had to navigate the complexities of its location in the heart of Europe. Belgium’s borders were further defined by the Treaty of London in 1839, which recognized Belgium as an independent and neutral state.
Treaty of London 1839 and Belgium’s neutrality
The Treaty of London was signed in 1839 and recognized Belgium as an independent and neutral state. The treaty guaranteed Belgium’s borders and ensured that the country would not be drawn into any European conflicts. Belgium’s neutrality was tested during World War I and II, but the country remained neutral throughout both conflicts.
The Schengen Area and Belgium’s open borders
Belgium is a member of the Schengen Area, which is a group of European countries that have abolished border controls between them. This means that there are no border controls between Belgium and its neighboring countries, making travel and trade easier. The Schengen Agreement has also facilitated cross-border cooperation between Belgium and its neighbors on issues such as crime, terrorism, and immigration.
Border disputes and agreements with neighboring countries
Belgium’s borders have been subject to territorial disputes and agreements with its neighboring countries throughout history. The most significant dispute was with the Netherlands over the Scheldt River, which led to the Treaty of Ghent in 1814. Other disputes included the border with Germany after World War I and II and the border with Luxembourg after the signing of the Schengen Agreement in 1985.
Conclusion: Belgium’s strategic location in Europe
Belgium’s borders with its neighboring countries and the North Sea have played a crucial role in shaping its history and economy. The country’s strategic location in the heart of Europe has made it a hub for trade and commerce, as well as a political and cultural center. Belgium’s open borders and membership in the Schengen Area have facilitated cooperation with its neighbors and made travel and trade easier. Despite historical border disputes, Belgium has maintained positive relationships with its neighboring countries and continues to play an important role in the European Union.
References and further reading
- "Belgium’s Borders" by the Belgian Foreign Affairs, https://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/policy/policy_areas/borders
- "Belgium’s Neighbors" by World Atlas, https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/which-countries-border-belgium.html
- "Schengen Area" by the European Union, https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen_en
- "Treaty of London" by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, https://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/policy/policy_areas/borders/treaty_london
