In a significant move to amplify their political voice, Kurdish representatives inaugurated the Kurdistan Diaspora Center in Brussels on Tuesday, marking a strategic step to centralize and strengthen lobbying efforts within the European Union and NATO.

The center, located in the heart of one of the world's most influential political hubs, is designed to serve as a unified platform for Kurds from across the Middle East. Its primary mission is to directly influence policy-making in European and transatlantic institutions.

Mustafa Shakir, the head of the new center, stated that the initiative seeks to bring together Kurds “from all four parts of Kurdistan”—a reference to the Kurdish populations in Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and Syria—to advocate for their people collectively.

“We will all work together jointly to have an influence on the decisions, policies, and laws that are passed in this country,” Shakir told Kurdistan 24. He added that the center plans to organize cultural, artistic, and political events while arranging high-level meetings with officials from the European Parliament and NATO.

While Brussels has a long history as a base for Kurdish activism, the new center distinguishes itself through its explicit, direct focus on high-level political lobbying. Existing organizations like the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK), founded in 1999, and the cultural-focused Kurdish Institute of Brussels, have traditionally emphasized community building, cultural preservation, and raising awareness.

The Kurdistan Diaspora Center, by contrast, is positioned to engage directly with policymakers in the city where the EU and NATO set major international strategies. This provides Kurdish advocates with immediate access to European decision-making processes.

Belgium is home to a significant Kurdish community, estimated to be between 25,000 and 70,000 strong, with most residing in the capital. Over the years, this community has become a potent force, organizing demonstrations, cultural festivals, and advocacy campaigns.