International delegations visit Brussels

In June and September 2026, representatives of the cities of Berlin, Kyiv and Tokyo visited the Brussels-Capital Region (BCR) to learn about Brussels’ expertise in the environment, health and artificial intelligence.

On 12 June 2026, Brussels International welcomed a large group of environmental officials from the External linkSenate Chancellery and the twelve districts of Berlin, a partner city of the BCR.

Beyond the European institutions, the Berlin delegation was also keen to discover Brussels initiatives in environmental policy and the redevelopment of open spaces.

The Berlin officials visited the award-winning External linkCircular Pavilion in External linkParc Ouest, near Brussels-West station, where they were welcomed by staff from External linkBrussels Environment. They presented their remit and a number of projects, notably on soil remediation and the creation of Parc Ouest. The non-profit organisation External linkToestand also presented the park’s design project, based on an inclusive and participatory approach.

^{The Berlin delegation in the Parc Ouest Pavilion – © Brussels Regional Public Service (SPRB)}

On 3 and 4 September, the Brussels Region welcomed a delegation from its partner city Kyiv, led by Dr Tetiana Mostepan, Director of the Kyiv City Health Department.

Delegation members visited the External linkQueen Astrid Military Hospital, External linkSaint-Pierre University Hospital, the External link112 emergency call centre and External linkErasme Hospital. These exchanges were organised in cooperation with the External linkCity of Brussels.

Following the visit, Minister-President Boris Dilliès received a letter from Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv, thanking the BCR for its unwavering support in hosting delegations and for the External linkdonation of equipment through the External linkBrussels Fire Brigade and External linkSTIB.

^{Dr Tetiana Mostepan visits the operating theatre at Saint-Pierre University Hospital – © City of Brussels}

Members of the External linkTokyo Metropolitan Government came to Brussels to examine artificial intelligence (AI) projects run by regional public bodies.

On 9 September 2026, the delegation first visited External linkActiris. The Brussels Regional Employment Office team presented its brand-new AI tool for jobseeker profiling, developed in cooperation with External linkFARI. Actiris’ Data Protection Officer also gave a brief overview of the legal framework and the rules under the External linkGeneral Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The visit then continued at the offices of External linkParadigm, where the regional strategy for digitalisation and AI was presented.

Highly fruitful exchanges that point to a promising future.

^{The Tokyo delegation visiting Actiris – © Rie Abe}

^{A warm welcome for the Tokyo delegation at Paradigm – © Chantal De Corte}