As global security challenges grow increasingly complex, dialogue and industrial cooperation remain vital tools in shaping a safer future. Earlier this Summer in London, these values were brought to the forefront during a high-level defence and security event hosted at the Residence of H.E. Mr. Jeroen Cooreman, Ambassador of Belgium to the United Kingdom.
The evening brought together key players from Belgium and the UK, two longstanding NATO allies, committed to deepening their strategic, industrial, and technological collaboration. It was a testament to the trust and shared vision that underpin the transatlantic defence partnership.
A Platform for Dialogue, Innovation, and Cooperation
Organised in close partnership with the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX), Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), and Agoria’s Belgian Security & Defence Industry (BSDI), the event convened a diverse array of stakeholders from across government, industry, and research.
At the heart of the discussion was a shared commitment to enhancing defence readiness, innovation in critical technologies, and industrial resilience — cornerstones of modern collective security.
Speakers Koen Magnus, Matthias Vierstraete, and Nicolas Meunier provided expert insights that sparked dynamic conversations around current geopolitical risks, technological sovereignty, and opportunities for deeper interoperability between Belgian and British defence ecosystems.
Wallonia: A Driving Force in Defence Innovation
Wallonia stood out as a central contributor to this transatlantic vision. With its cutting-edge expertise in secure communications, cybersecurity, trusted systems integration, and advanced manufacturing, the region is at the forefront of Europe’s evolving defence landscape.
Employing over 4,000 people directly in the defence and security sectors, Wallonia plays a vital role in numerous European and transatlantic programmes, bridging industrial strength with strategic foresight.
Companies such as FN Herstal, John Cockerill, NanoPyro, DefenseWise, New Lachaussée, Clover Group, and CRM Group represented the dynamic Walloon defence industry — each showcasing innovation that serves not only national interests but also strengthens NATO’s collective capabilities.
Building Trust Through Meaningful Exchange
In an increasingly uncertain world, events like this reaffirm the power of diplomacy, industry engagement, and shared values. They help lay the groundwork for trust, interoperability, and long-term collaboration between allied nations.
As Belgium and the UK continue to invest in their strategic partnership, such encounters play a pivotal role in shaping a resilient and forward-looking defence posture, one that puts innovation, cooperation, and collective security at its core.
Looking ahead, momentum is already building toward DSEI UK 2025, where Belgian stakeholders will once again be present to connect, innovate, and collaborate with global partners.