Debrecen4U
December 13, 2025
Royal Recognition for University of Debrecen Lecturer
Gert Loosen, associate professor at the Faculty of Humanities, has been awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of the Crown by the King of Belgium for his outstanding work in strengthening Hungarian-Belgian cultural and professional relations.
For his outstanding work in strengthening Hungarian–Belgian cultural and professional relations, Gert Loosen has received a prestigious honor from the King of Belgium. The associate professor at the Institute of German Studies of the Faculty of Humanities and director of the Debrecen Dutch‑Flemish Center was presented with the Knight’s Cross of the Order of the Crown on December 9 at a ceremony held at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in Hungary, the university’s website announced.
Gert Loosen—who studied linguistics at the Catholic University of Leuven and earned his doctorate at the University of Debrecen—has been active in Hungary for more than twenty years, first as a lecturer and now as an associate professor of Dutch and German language and literature. Alongside his teaching, he directs the Dutch‑Flemish Center in Debrecen, which he founded.
He has initiated and organized Hungarian–Belgian cultural exchange programs, as well as music, literary, film, and visual arts events that have placed Flemish culture firmly on Debrecen’s cultural map.
“Through all this, he contributes to strengthening the positive image of the Kingdom of Belgium in Hungary, especially in Debrecen, which has close historical ties to the Low Countries through the Reformation. This explains why the Dutch language and culture enjoy high prestige here, being taught at the university and forming part of the city’s historical identity,” said Jeroen Vergeylen in his tribute.
Belgium’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary emphasized that Debrecen, as the economic engine of Eastern Hungary, has been growing rapidly in recent years, attracting major new investments and numerous companies, including Belgian firms. In this context, Gert Loosen serves as a bridge, contributing in an outstanding and selfless way to advancing Belgian–Hungarian relations.
“This award is a great honor for me. Although I have lived in Hungary for many years, Belgium and Flanders will always remain in my heart. That is why I strive to present the values of our culture again and again in Debrecen. I am grateful for all the support and cooperation that makes this work possible,” said Gert Loosen after receiving the decoration.
The ceremony was attended by Róbert Keményfi, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, representing the university, and István Puskás, Deputy Mayor of Debrecen responsible for cultural affairs, representing the city.
The Order of the Crown (Ordre de la Couronne) was established in 1897 by King Leopold II of Belgium and may be awarded by the monarch for both civil and military merit. On the recommendation of the Foreign Minister, His Majesty King Philippe issued a royal decree on July 10, 2025, granting Gert Loosen the Knight (Chevalier) rank of the Order of the Crown in recognition of his lasting achievements.
Source: dehir.hu | Photo credit:Facebook Puskás István
