About BUBC
The Belgium–Ukraine Business Club was established in 2022, building on a series of well-received business events organized since 2018 by Kris Beckers in his capacity as Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Belgium. One of these was a business round table held at the InterContinental Hotel in Kyiv at the end of 2021, where owners and representatives of Belgian companies had an open dialogue with governmental representatives about the investment climate in Ukraine and the obstacles holding them back from making further investments. Following this exchange, several business leaders expressed the wish to see such initiatives continue, which ultimately led to the creation of the club.
The club was founded to bring together Belgian and Ukrainian entrepreneurs, companies, and relevant stakeholders in a practical and realistic way, with particular attention to investment, economic recovery, and Ukraine’s current business environment.
BUBC aims to remain selective, credible, and useful. Its activities are focused on carefully chosen events, trusted connections, and relevant information that can help support mutually beneficial business relations between Belgium and Ukraine.
Our Mission
Trusted Connections
We bring together Belgian and Ukrainian entrepreneurs, companies, and relevant governmental, institutional, and financial stakeholders through carefully selected events, trusted contacts, and meaningful dialogue.
Investment and Economic Recovery Dialogue
We support informed dialogue around investment, reconstruction-related opportunities, and the practical conditions shaping Ukraine’s economic recovery and long-term future development.
Practical Insight
We provide carefully selected information and perspectives on Ukraine’s business climate, current priorities, support frameworks, and relevant EU initiatives supporting Ukraine’s recovery and development.
People Behind BUBC
Kris Beckers — Chairman
Kris Beckers is Chairman of the Belgium–Ukraine Business Club. He is also Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Belgium and representative of the UCCI in Belgium. For many years, he has been actively involved in strengthening business and institutional relations between Belgium and Ukraine and has organized Ukraine-related business events since 2018. Through BUBC, he aims to build a practical platform that supports dialogue, relevant connections, and carefully selected business initiatives linked to Ukraine.
Luc Vancraen — Co-founder
Luc Vancraen is Co-founder of the Belgium–Ukraine Business Club. He has had a software company in Ukraine since 2000. Under the banner of the business club, he took the initiative to support Belgium’s donation of the research vessel Belgica (A962), now renamed Borys Alexandrov, to Ukraine for maritime research in the Black Sea. Through his involvement in the club, he contributes to the development of a credible and forward-looking business network between Belgium and Ukraine.
Honorary Counsellors
The Belgium–Ukraine Business Club values the support of respected figures who contribute experience, insight, and credibility to its broader mission.
H.E. Yaroslav Melnyk
Ambassador of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Belgium
More information coming soon.
H.E. Luc Jacobs
Ambassador of Belgium to Ukraine
More information coming soon.
H.E. Vsevolod Chentsov
Ambassador of Ukraine to the European Union
Ambassador Vsevolod Chentsov is the Head of the Mission of Ukraine to the European Union. He previously served as Ambassador of Ukraine to the Kingdom of the Netherlands from March 2017 to 2021 and represented Ukraine in cases before the International Court of Justice. He began his diplomatic career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in 1996. “I am honoured to be part of the Belgium–Ukraine Business Club. It is a unique platform where important discussions and practical steps are taking place. I am pleased to contribute from the EU perspective, as Ukrainian business is actively integrating into the Single Market and is already an integral part of it.”
Prof. Univ. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jan De Maere
I strongly believe in individual freedom of expression, independent justice, and democracy. For this reason, I have supported Ukraine’s fight for these values since 2014, and even more so today. I hope for justice and lasting peace for Ukraine in this war. "I consider the Belgium–Ukraine Business Club to be an important platform for information, communication, and business dialogue that can support the development of a free and democratic Ukraine. I have already been involved in several business gatherings organised by its founder, Honorary consul Kris Beckers, which were always very well organised and of a high quality."
Mr. Jean‑Erik De Zagon
Member of the Luxembourg Institute of Directors (ILA). Former Head of the Regional Hub for Eastern Europe at the European Investment Bank (EIB), based in Kyiv. Previously, he served as Head of Asset Management at the EIB, overseeing approximately EUR 20 billion in assets under management. “It is a privilege to be an Honorary Counsellor to the Belgium–Ukraine Business Club. Ukraine currently needs the support of international investors and business leaders in order to rebuild the country. At the same time, Ukraine has the ambition to build a modern, dynamic, and transparent society. The country also has strong capacities in IT and high-tech sectors, offering significant opportunities for international business cooperation. With its extensive network in both Ukraine and Belgium, the Belgium–Ukraine Business Club serves as an essential bridge for business people.”
Mr. Roman Andarak
More information coming soon.
BUBC continues to develop step by step, with the aim of remaining a serious, practical, and trusted platform for business dialogue between Belgium and Ukraine.