The Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg, in collaboration with the Real Instituto Elcano, the Fundación Carlos de Amberes, and the Asociación de amigos Carlos de Amberes, organized a conference titled “Spain-Belgium: Business, Investment, and Learning Opportunities” on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

The event served to present the results of a study on mutual perceptions between Spain and the Benelux countries, as well as to analyze specific opportunities for economic cooperation, investment, and knowledge exchange between the two regions. The program included institutional presentations and a roundtable discussion with experts from the business and education sectors.

The conference began with a welcome address by the Chamber’s president, Pablo López-Álvarez, who highlighted the potential of Spanish companies and presented some success stories of his experience in Belgian markets. Additionally, Aimery de Schoutheete, president of the Asociación de Amigos de Carlos de Amberes, discussed the work of the Fundación Carlos de Amberes, which maintains and fosters cultural and economic ties between the Benelux countries and Spain.

Next, Fernando Gijón of the Real Instituto Elcano presented the main findings of a study on perceptions between Spain and the Benelux countries. In this regard, he outlined the image Belgians have of Spain with respect to work culture, the economy, and politics, among other factors. The study was conducted by the Real Instituto Elcano in collaboration with the Fundación Carlos de Amberes.

Following these two presentations, Marta Díez, founder and CEO of Top Bruselas and Alumni CEU, moderated a panel discussion featuring María Ortiz, Economic and trade Counselor at the Economic and Trade Office of the Embassy of Spain in Belgium; Marleen de Vijt, founder of Azull Real Estate, and Carolina Núñez, Director of Operations for France, Spain, and Costa Rica at EF Education, discussed the learning and investment opportunities available to Belgian professionals and companies in Spain. The event concluded with a networking cocktail reception where participants could share their perspectives on the topics discussed during the day.