Belgium is a Federal State made up of three communities (Flemish, French and German-speaking communities) and three regions. Since 1989, Brussels has been a separate region at the same level as the Walloon and Flemish regions. The legislative and executive bodies for the region are the Parliament and the Government.
Regional Comptences extends to the international level within the Belgian Federal State. More specifically, the region monitors the work of international organisations (European Union, United Nations, OECD, etc). Its ministers take part in Councils of the European Union. The region has independently signed international treaties. Brussels even has its own foreign policy and is playing an important role in the Belgian Presidency of the European Union.
Brussels and the European Union
European politics is a guiding light behind the external relations for the Bruxelles-Capitale region. Most regional competences are strongly influenced by Europe: quite a large part of the regional decrees have their origins in legislative acts of the European Union.
The aim of involving a city-region such as Brussels in the European decision-making process is to be more inclusive of the urban, sustainable dimension of various European policies. To this end, the region has a delegation at the European Union within the permanent Belgian representation. This body works towards decision-making, monitors European institutions and prepares files that have an influence on regional competences.
External relations for the Bruxelles-Capitale region
The External Relations Department is pivotal for the region for all international contacts. In practice, this Department formulates proposals for moving forward with a coherent foreign policy and represents the region in a variety of international fora. The region has a global network of regions and cities with which it has partnerships based on bilateral conventions. In terms of multilateral cooperation, Brussels acts on behalf of its urban interests. It is an active participant in Eurocities, Metropolis and the Assembly of the Regions - associations which lobby in favour of a better policy for major cities and regions.