Our History

Impact at a Glance

Projects Sponsored

Grants Distributed (€)

Years of Support

The Foundation

The purpose of the foundation is to support and develop ties between Belgium and Sweden as a tribute to the memory of Queen Astrid of Belgium. Its activity is based on donations from Consul General Karl Erik Hedborg.

The foundation (at present) distributes grants twice annually. Grants may be awarded e.g. in support of higher academic studies, research exchange, printing and translation of literary or scientific works as well as in support of art exhibitions, concerts and lectures that serve the purpose of strengthening the ties between Sweden and Belgium.

The board of directors decides on applications for grants at its two annual meetings in April and November. To be dealt with at these meetings applications for grants must have reached the secretary of the foundation on March 15 or on October 15 at the latest.

Karl-Erik Hedborg (1889 - 1988)

Karl-Erik Hedborg (1889 - 1988) began working for Svenska Tändsticksaktiebolaget (STAB) shortly after graduating as an MSc in Engineering. In 1920 he was appointed managing director of STAB subsidiary Union Allumettière in Belgium. He resigned in 1956 but continued his activities in support of the company and of bilateral relations between Sweden and Belgium.

Through the years 1928 - 1962 he was also Swedish Consul General in Brussels and played an important role, not least during the German occupation 1940 - 1945. His position as a diplomat of a neutral country made it possible for him to contribute significantly to the transition from German occupation to independent Belgian rule.

During most of the 20th century Karl Erik Hedborg and his wife Petra were prominent personalities in the Nordic community of Brussels, working tirelessly to strengthen the ties between Sweden and Belgium. The foundation charged with continuing this work was established on March 7 1984.