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Queen Mathilde Leads 400-Delegate Belgian Mission to Turkey

5/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot announced a Belgian economic mission to Turkey led by Queen Mathilde for May 10-14, bringing 400 delegates from 200 Belgian firms.
Prevot said Turkey’s defense industry has grown by 300%, making it a major European security actor.
Belgium aims to sign about 40 agreements in social security, transport, logistics, aerospace and defense.
Prevot urged modernising the 1996 EU-Turkey Customs Union because it no longer fits 2026 challenges.

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Story summary

Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot announced a Belgian economic mission to Turkey led by Queen Mathilde for May 10-14, bringing 400 delegates from 200 Belgian firms.
Prevot said Turkey’s defense industry has grown by 300%, making it a major European security actor.
Belgium aims to sign about 40 agreements in social security, transport, logistics, aerospace and defense.
Prevot urged modernising the 1996 EU-Turkey Customs Union because it no longer fits 2026 challenges.