Fiji is set to re-establish its Embassy in Brussels after Cabinet this week endorsed a phased reopening, restoring one of Fiji’s oldest diplomatic missions and reaffirming the nation’s growing engagement with Europe.
In a statement, Cabinet said the decision marks an important step in rebuilding Fiji’s diplomatic footprint.
“Reopening the Embassy restores Fiji’s representation in Europe, strengthens diplomatic and trade ties, and ensures better support for our expanding diaspora across the region,” the statement said.
The Embassy in Brussels was first opened in 1973 and served as a crucial conduit to the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).
It was closed in 2021 during post-COVID austerity measures.
Cabinet noted that Fiji’s deepening engagement with Europe — including trade, climate diplomacy, development cooperation and security partnerships — now makes its return essential.
Since the closure, Fiji’s Mission in Geneva has been handling EU and broader European affairs. But Cabinet acknowledged the growing challenges.
“Workload pressures, time zone differences, and the complexity of EU institutions have highlighted the need for a dedicated diplomatic presence in Brussels,” the statement said.
The phased reopening will allow Fiji to gradually re-establish staff, operational capacity and full diplomatic services.
