BRUSSELS, Belgium — Marking 16 years since its 2010 opening on Boulevard de Waterloo, the Brussels Church of Scientology is being noted anew Belgium as a local landmark in the capital of Europe. While the building’s anniversary highlights the past 16 years, representatives underline a broader timeline: Scientology’s presence in Belgium now spans 51 years.
In Brussels, the anniversary is tied to a wider message about coexistence and civic life. In a city where European policy is drafted and negotiated, the Church says its doors remain open for public visits and community events, including interfaith interaction and civic dialogue. The story is also linked to a long legal process that ended with charges being dismissed in court, a moment supporters describe as reinforcing the principle that people should not be prosecuted merely for their faith.
Alongside the anniversary, local Scientologists point to social reform and social betterment activities in Belgium, especially drug-prevention education and human-rights education. These efforts are presented as secular resources for families, educators and local partners, including materials on substance risks and workshops that reference the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Ivan Arjona, Scientology’s representative to the European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and United Nations, said: “Social cohesion grows when communities invest in practical education—on rights, responsibilities and prevention—without stigma or discrimination. Anniversaries matter, but what matters more is what a building enables: dialogue, service and respect for human dignity.” Full context and background can be read here: Brussels anniversary: Scientology notes 51 years in Belgium and social betterment efforts.