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Belgium plays host to the "capital of Europe" within its own borders. By definition, therefore, it has more direct access to the European Parliament (EP), the Council and the European Commission (EC). In spite of all this, it is crucial that Belgium organises itself like any other Member State.
The main activity of diplomats and experts in the Permanent Representation (PR) to the EU is to attend meetings with representatives from other Member States in various working parties and in the Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) in order to prepare the activities in the Council.
- Take a look at the Who's who of the Presidency/Permanent Representation.
During its presidency, it is the role of Belgium to look for a compromise amongst all the member states.
Belgium invests a great deal in Europe, and not only when it has the Presidency. Here are a number of facts which prove it.
Role of the Belgian Permanent Representation to the EU
The Permanent Representation, headed by Ambassador Jean De Ruyt, is the voice of Belgium in Europe and represents Belgian interests in COREPER. Coreper prepares the work of the EU Councils of Ministers and coordinates the various working groups of experts from the Member States. These experts are responsible for the technical preparation of dossiers before they are sent to Coreper and to the Councils of Ministers.
The EU Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSC) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) are managed by the Political and Security Committee (PSC), which prepares EU Council decisions in these areas. Belgium's interests in this area are also represented on the PSC by the permanent representation.
Find out more about the Belgian Permanent Representation to the EU (COREPER and PSC)