Niels Engelschiøn will take over the position from Jostein Bernhardsen who retired this summer. Mr Engelschiøn has been at the Mission of Norway to the EU since August 2010, but this is in fact his second period at the Mission. Thus, he has lived five years in Brussels altogether.
Niels Engelschiøn is a political scientist educated in France, Great Britain and Oslo. He previously served as Minister Counsellor at the Norwegian Embassy in Stockholm and Secretary of Embassy in Warsaw. He has for many years also been involved with EU affairs in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Knowledge of interest for Norway
- Belgium has good knowledge of key international issues that are of interest for Norway, Engelschiøn said from his office at Norway House – in the middle of the EU quarters in Brussels.
As one of the EU’s founders, Belgium has a long experience with the European integration project as well as a strong diplomatic corps that the Norwegian Embassy will maintain contact with.
- The relationship between Belgium and Norway is very good, and is characterized by the fact that our two countries largely represent the same basic values and attitudes in international politics, says Engelschiøn.
From now on the tasks of the Embassy and the Mission will be more integrated, both with regards to diplomacy, media and public relations and promotion of Norwegian culture in Belgium.
Norwegian culture
There is an active cultural exchange between Belgium and Norway. This is especially true with regards to architecture, dance, music, film, literature and theater. The extensive cultural initiative “Norway Now” in 2010/2011 helped to promote Norwegian artists and promote Norway as an innovative nation to a Belgian and international audience.
The Embassy is involved in several cultural activities this fall, among others an exhibition of Norwegian fashion in collaboration with the Norwegian Fashion Institute, the promotion of Norwegian film in co-operation with Cinematek in Brussels and the Norwegian Film Institute, in addition to an architecture exhibition in Ghent where architects Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter will present their projects.
Business and assistance to Norwegians
Support for Norwegian companies planning to establish themselves on the Belgian market is another important task for the Embassy.
The consular work is handled by the consulate in Norway House in Brussels, which is open on weekdays 09-12. The responsibilities of the consulate include issuing passports and visas for those who will be working in Norway as well as conducting wedding ceremonies.
The consulates in Antwerp, Liège and Zeebrugge will remain.
- I am looking forward to the good cooperation with the consuls there, Mr. Engelschiøn said.
The bilateral responsibility for Luxembourg will be transferred to the Norwegian Embassy in The Hague.
The Norwegian Embassy to Belgium has four permanent employees, a regularly updated website and newsletter in French and Dutch.