A university council honored a former student for his diplomatic achievements and efforts to strengthen interuniversity dialogue. His call to pair restraint with firm boundaries intrigued the audience.
The Faculty of Law of KU Leuven today recognized its distinguished former alumnus Luke Jacobs – the Belgian ambassador to Ukraine.
The award from the faculty council was announced as recognition of his diplomatic work and significant contribution to inter-university dialogue.
I thank the members of the council for recognizing the role and importance of diplomacy. The fact that my experience in this field, and especially my current, second tenure as ambassador in Kyiv, was a key factor in the decision, is very motivating
– Luke Jacobs
«Under a diplomatic solution we usually mean a peaceful one. Unfortunately, diplomacy has its limits… when the opposing side is convinced it can win through a policy of faits accomplis or the language of force»
– The Belgian ambassador to Ukraine
In a comment, the ambassador noted that “diplomacy must also dare to set boundaries” – diplomatic steps should combine prudence with a clear stance in crisis moments.
«Diplomacy must also dare to set boundaries»
– The Belgian ambassador to Ukraine
The knowledge he gained at the Faculty of Law has proven very useful in his nearly 40-year diplomatic career: «From evaluating the proper written and spoken word to the ability to read between the lines in legal and contractual texts, but above all this entails recognizing and interpreting the societal significance of law».
«From evaluating the proper written and spoken word to the ability to read between the lines in legal and contractual texts, but above all this entails recognizing and the ability to interpret the societal significance of law»
– The Ambassador
The diplomat noted that Ukraine “is steadily reforming into a democratic state, with the rule of law, literally on the front line since 2014.”
«is steadily reforming into a democratic state, with the rule of law, literally on the front line since 2014»
– The Belgian ambassador to Ukraine
Mechelen’s mayor, Bart Somers, in his speech noted that Jacobs is a diplomat guided by values: “For him international law is not a technical discipline, but a moral compass that gives direction when situations become difficult and interests clash. The rule of law, humanity, responsibility, and dialogue are not abstract words to him but principles he consistently applies. At the same time Luke is also a diplomat with a sharp analytical mind who quickly understands complex situations, precisely identifies the interests of different participants and seeks solutions within this complexity,” Somers noted.
«For him international law is not a technical discipline, but a moral compass that gives direction when situations become difficult and interests clash. The rule of law, humanity, responsibility and dialogue are not abstract words to him but principles he consistently applies. At the same time Luke is also a diplomat with a sharp analytical mind who quickly understands complex situations, precisely identifies the interests of different participants and seeks solutions within this complexity»
– Mayor of Mechelen Bart Somers
The event underscores the importance of combining high-level education and practical diplomacy in strengthening international ties and supporting stable relations between Belgium and Ukraine.
In the context of Belgium’s exhibition and cultural activities in Mons, the exhibition “Kharkiv – a city that endured severe wounds” was organized by the Memorial Museum in collaboration with the Union of Ukrainian Women of Belgium with the support of the Belgian Embassy in Ukraine.
This event demonstrates how educational institutions and diplomacy can work together to foster mutual understanding and mutual respect between countries.