On 12 March 2026, the cooperation forum “Luxembourg–Flanders in the Fields of Space and Defence: Strengthening Economic Partnerships”, organized by the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Belgium with the support of its Honorary Consul in West Flanders, Mr. Frank Deceuninck, opened with remarks by Jean de Béthune, Deputy of the Province of West Flanders, on the close and dynamic relations between Flanders and Luxembourg, and by H.E. Mr Jean-Louis Thill, Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Belgium, who highlighted Luxembourg’s ambition to strengthen its role as a European technology hub, particularly in the strategic sectors of innovation, space and defence, through international partnerships and close cooperation with the private sector.

The forum then brought together a distinguished panel of speakers: Pascal Walrave (Chief Operating Officer, Flanders Investment & Trade), Mark Antonissen (Advisor Digital, Industry, Space & Defence, VLAIO), Kris Vanderhauwaert (Cluster Manager, Flanders Space / Vlaamse Ruimtevaartindustrie), Marc Serres (CEO, Luxembourg Space Agency), Christian Tock (Deputy Director General, DG Industry, New Technologies and Research, Ministry of the Economy of Luxembourg), and Michel Poucet (Managing Director, Infinite Orbits).

Moderated by Jil Brimaire, Economist at the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, and with Karel Cambien, journalist at Roularta Media Group, serving as Master of Ceremonies, the discussion brought together institutional and industry representatives to highlight innovation dynamics, emerging technologies and opportunities for stronger economic partnerships between Luxembourg and Flanders.

The exchange provided valuable insights into the similarities and complementarities between the Luxembourgish and Flemish space and defence ecosystems, and how these have evolved in the current geopolitical context. The discussion also explored emerging technological trends in both sectors, which often lead companies to develop highly specialised niches. Finally, the panel offered concrete perspectives on how companies can successfully position themselves on international markets.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to all our panelists for their valuable insights and inspiring perspectives, to our moderator for guiding such a rich discussion, and to our event partner Flanders Investment & Trade for the excellent collaboration. We would also like to warmly thank our sponsors: Vitis Life, Wealins, GTS Transport, Allia Insurance, Foyer, Beeuwsaert Construct, Jan De Nul, Poll-Fabaire, Lodyss, Bofferding and Deceuninck.

The forum was followed by a concert by Luxembourgish pianist Jean Muller, who performed works by Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt and Ivan Boumans. The evening concluded with a reception offered by the Embassy in the foyer of the prestigious Stadsschouwburg, celebrating the friendship between Luxembourg and Flanders.