FX.co ★ How much Obama’s visit costs host country

All large-scale events can hardly be held unless the U.S. President is present. Likewise, an actor dressed as Santa Claus is always invited to a New Year’s party. Therefore, expenses for booking the main character differ respectively. Recently, the U.S. leader made a one-day visit to Brussels. Ubiquitous economists estimated how much Belgian taxpayers had to pay for the honor to host the VIP guest. U.S. President Barack Obama’s visit strained the Belgian’s capital like never before with $10.4 million being spent to cover his 24 hours in the country. Interestingly, it has been his first visit to the summit of the EU policymakers and the NATO representatives. Here are a few facts to consider. So, taxes of ordinary Belgian employees have been spent on 900-strong entourage, 45 vehicles, and 3 cargo aircraft. This team was accompanying the U.S. President. Besides, an advance security team orchestrated every detail of the route. Obama was present at the lunchtime summit with the European Council president, Herman Van Rompuy, and the European Commission president, José Manuel Barroso. Obama spent 75 minutes delivering his speech and discussing Ukraine’s political crisis. Then, he went to the NATO’s headquarters for a meeting with its secretary-general, Anders Fogh Rasmussen. The next point in the schedule was the memorial for the American soldiers at the First World War cemetery. A phalanx of 30 armored cars secured the route of Obama and Belgium’s King Philippe while a convoy of 9 American helicopters ensured protection from the air. A tight cordon surrounded the whole shopping district with the hotel where the U.S. President stayed for a night. In addition, Belgium itself mobilized 350 police and military on motorbikes patrolling the President’s escort. Nowadays, Vatican is searching of money to arrange Obama’s tour. So, one of the world’s most powerful religious leaders, Pope Francis, is ready to meet for the first time one of the world’s most influential political leaders.