The role of Brussels Commissoner for Europe and International Organisations was created in 2014, along with the office and team now known as commissioner.brussels. This marked a turning point in Brussels’ ambition for its special status as capital of Europe. There was a recognition that the Brussels-Capital Region, empowered by successive reforms of the Belgian state, needed a direct connection with the European and international organisations present in its territory.
The host region policy was born. The aim was to reinforce relationships with all the main players, while proactively managing the needs and the footprint of the international organisations – in as far as they touch on regional competences.
In the years since, the Commissioner and his team have achieved a great deal. The positive effects can be felt not only in the European Quarter or the international affairs sector, but across the Region. After all, the host region policy is not just hospitality package for the EU institutions, but a vital tool in the general development of the Brussels-Capital Region for the benefit of all its residents.
- We have developed a true host region policy and demonstrated how vital the European and international sector is for Brussels, its citizens and its economy.
- We have hosted 10 summits gathering ministers from the Brussels-Capital Region Government and the heads of the main EU Institutions. The summit builds connections and strengthens the institutions' roots in Brussels, while tackling the long-term issues related to their presence in the Region.
- We have flourished in our mandate as Single Point of Contact for everyone involved in managing the presence of the EU Institutions and international organisations in Brussels. We have built a formidable network on both the Belgian and international side, and we have restored trust in the relationship.
- We have created the Europe in Brussels platform with the Belgian federal government, coordinating our respective responsibilities and ensuring that European and international organisations get a coherent response to their questions.
- We have engaged the EU institutions in the broad-based vision to rethink the EU Quarter of Brussels. We are true partners on questions ranging from mobility and real estate to the works at Schuman Roundabout and the launch of the EUQB brand.
- Our Expat Welcome Desk has responded to over 20 000 questions. The service has become a real knowledge centre and a trusted source of advice for International Brusselers.
- We have organised 3 courses for staff of the 19 Brussels municipalities, highlighting the specific rules and issues relevant to the International Brusselers who move here for work.
- We guided the international community of Brussels through the Covid-19 pandemic, explaining the local rules and access to vaccines or healthcare.
- We kept UK citizens informed during the Brexit negotiations, then implemented a research and awareness-raising project through the EU’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve.
- We have run 4 campaigns encouraging International Brusselers to vote in municipal and European elections, and we launched the Brussels Voice democratic participation platform.
