An Austrian Association in Belgium
The Austrian Association ÖVB supports Austrian people who live in Belgium. They organise traditional events, highlight is the Vienna Ball in Brussels.
When Austria joined the EU in 1995 the numbers of foreign Austrians in Belgium jumped up. Many of them moved there because they worked for the EU or another political institution. Also the high standard of living in Belgium made a lot of Austrians moved.
Members can also be non-Austrians
A well-known community for Austrians in Belgium is the Austrian Association in Belgium, in German “Österreichische Vereinigung in Belgien” or simply short ÖVB. The ÖVB, with domicile in Brussels, is a platform to meet other Austrians in Belgium at partys, trips or other events. This association is also a possibility for the foreign Austrians to maintain their tradition. The ÖVB can also be used as a contact person for official or unofficial, Belgium or Austrian questions. Important is also the contact between the Belgium inhabitants and the Austrians. The community also helps when an Austrian needs a Belgium citizenship.
Classice music is a must at a Vienna Ball
As Austrian people love celebrating and their traditions ÖVB organises a lot of events. Highlight of these whole activities is the Vienna Ball, which takes place every year in Brussels at the beginning of February. The also organise literarily readings, traditional Austrian dinners or dancing lessons.
The ÖVB has also its special groups for example a playgroup for kids till 6 years and an Austrian school. The Austrian school was developed for kids in school age till 12 years because Austrian kids won’t learn specific Austrian things like the national anthem in German, international or Belgian schools. There is also a group for elderly persons.
As ÖVB is a non-profit organisation they have many supporters. Famous sponsors are for instance Austrian airlines, federal stats like Lower Austria, Carinthia, Styria or Vienna.
Sources: oevb.be
Popularity: 1% [?]
It is a great idea, that such organisations are represented in almost every country. I mean you have also your embassy, but it is more for formal things, like problems with your passport, for instance.
But this ÖBV is a good chance to get in contact with Austrians, who are leaving already in Belgium. So, there are always lot`s of questions or things you don`t know, when you move in a foreign country. Also for us students it is helpful, because you can exchange your experience with other Austrians, you will be never alone with your problems.
As also mentioned in the article, the Austrian are very cultural people and they really love their traditions, it is even more easier, when you have people outside of Austria, who understand you and also are aware of the „Austrian way of live“.
When you choose to live in Belgium and you have kids, than it is really helpful, that they are offering play groups, eventhough, the parents speak at home maybe german. But I think it is more helpful for them, if they have friends at their age, who also speak the same language. I really wanted to command that, because if I get the chance to come back in future times to Belgium, I see no complications or problems, to stay longer in this interesting country!
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