History

In the early sixties, a group of Belgian and European leaders agreed that Brussels needed a first-rate place for the diplomatic corps, the international executives and European officials to socialize and happily integrate the Belgian community. In 1961, they created the non-profit making association "a.s.b.l. Maison Européenne de Val Duchesse" for that purpose.

Only the Chateau Saint-Anne estate met their needs; moreover it was exceptionally located next to the Chateau de Val Duchesse, birthplace of United Europe, where the Treaty of Rome was elaborated. In 1968, Mr Pierre Harmel, Minister of Foreign Affairs, officially handed over Chateau Sainte-Anne to the Association.

The International Club Chateau Sainte-Anne was created in 1969 under the responsibility of the Maison Européenne de Val Duchesse as a corporate club with all the meeting and sporting facilities as well as two restaurants. The swimming pool opened in 1970 and the Multisports Hall in 1974.

H.R.H. Prince Albert was Honorary President as of 1974 and H.R.H. Prince Philippe succeeded him.

At the end of 1996, the "Maison Européenne de Val Duchesse" bought the Château Sainte-Anne estate from the Belgian state together with the Group De Pauw and numerous Club members. In 2003, it also bought the shares held by the Group De Pauw.

Presidents of the Club

Honorary President : H.R.H. Prince Philippe, Duc de Brabant.

Past Honorary Members

Monsieur Hendrik BRUGMANS (NL) 
Baron Jean de BASSOMPIERRE (B) 
Baron de BROUX (B)
Comte de KERCHOVE de DENTERGHEM (B)
Monsieur Etienne de LA VALLEE POUSSIN (B)
Dr Walter HALLSTEIN (D)
Monsieur Théo LEFEVRE (B)
Baron PAPEIANS de MORCHOVEN (B)  
Dr Aurelio PECCEI (I)
Vicomte PRIGOGINE (B)
Monsieur Jean REY (B)    
Président Léopold Sedar SENGHOR (SN)
Monsieur Paul-Henri SPAAK (B)
Baron Jean van den BOSCH (B)