How the Region participates in the decision-making of the EU
The four ways the Brussels-Capital Region participates at EU level:
- Negotiation and approval in parliament of European treaties
- Participation in the European decision-making process
- Participation in the pre- and post-legislative process
- Transposition, application and implementation of the European decisions
Negotiation and approval in parliament of European treaties
Participation in the European decision-making process
The legal basis for this participation is as follows:
- Article 203 of the EC Treaty permitting regional and community ministers to participate in the Coucil of the European Union
- The cooperation agreement of 8 March 1994 between the federal state, the regions and the communities on the representation of Belgium in the Council of Ministers of the European Union to organise the participation of all levels of Belgian authority in the Council of the European Union and coordinate the Belgian positions
This cooperation agreement entails:
- that every federated entity has a general delegation or a representation at the European Union within the Permanent Representation of Belgium at the European Union
- the existence of intra-Belgian coordination mechanisms
Participation in the pre- and post-legislative process
Pre-legislative phase: the right of legislative initiative is held by the European Commission. To realise this, it takes in advice by means of advisory committees, multi-lateral meetings, consultations (green/white papers) in which the Brussels-Capital Region participates.
Post-legislative phase: as the guardian of the treaties, the European Commission ensures the application of European decisions and holds executive powers. Within this context, it surrounds itself with experts from the member states based on management committees and regulation committees in which the Brussels-Capital Region participates.
Transposition, application and implementation of the European decisions
The Brussels-Capital Region transposes the European directives into regional standards (ministerial and governmental orders) in areas in which it is the competent authority, notably environment, transport, competition and state assistance, energy, employment and the interior market.
Contact:Representation of the Brussels-Capital Region at the European UnionRue de la Loi 61-63, 1040 Brussels Phone: +32 (0)2 233 03 02 Fax: +32 (0)2 280 04 40 Email: manoelle.wasseige@diplobel.fed.be |