Belgium has been an OSCE participating State since June 25, 1973, has periodically had its elections observed by the OSCE/ODIHR, and chaired the OSCE in 2006.

Belgium is a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy with a population of over 11 million.  A NATO, E.U. and Council of Europe member, it borders France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany and is home to European Union institutions.  In addition to the Foreign Minister appearing before the Commission during the 2006 Belgian Chairmanship, Commissioners have also visited Belgium on numerous occasions, including for OSCE and OSCE PA meetings.  Belgium has had an increased OSCE and Commission focus in recent years as a result of security issues, political shifts, the economic downturn, migration, and human rights (including religious and ethnic concerns) related to the European Union and/or domestic issues.