Diplomatic Law in Belgium

Belgium hosts numerous diplomatic missions. These are either accredited to the Kingdom of Belgium or to one of the international organizations headquartered in Belgium. Their operation, as well as the legal status and privileges and immunities of their members, are essentially regulated by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (dated April 18, 1961). This book describes Belgium's practice vis-a-vis these missions, and it analyzes the day-to-day implementation of the Vienna Convention by the various Belgian authorities. It systematically reviews the limited number of legislative or regulatory provisions, the government's practice - set out inter alia in several "circular notes" communicated to the missions present in Belgium - and the jurisprudence of courts and tribunals, highlighting the possible deviations from the practice of the executive branch. Designed as a guide primarily for diplomatic missions established in Belgium, the book is also relevant for civil servants, judges, lawyers, and bailiffs encountering questions of diplomatic law in Belgium, as well as for students and researchers seeking information on national practice in this area of law.