International organisations and the Brussels-Capital Region

This role is not just symbolic: the Brussels-Capital Region is a full-fledged partner in international organisations. Brussels International coordinates the relations with these institutions, as well as the representation of the Region worldwide.

In Belgium, competencies are divided over Opens in new windowseveral governments. Thanks to an interfederal cooperation agreement, the federal state, the regions and the communities manage to harmonise their foreign policy.  This way, Belgium can speak with one voice in international organisations.

This enables the Brussels-Capital Region to participate fully in international policy within multilateral organisations. Multilateral means that several countries or governments work together within the same structure. Multilateralism is important for international stability, stronger democracy and a better life for everyone.

Thanks to this cooperation, the Brussels-Capital Region can participate in important decisions, for example about the climate, human rights or urban development. It can also influence policy in international forums.

For European Union policies, there is a separate cooperation agreement. Brussels International also coordinates this. You can find out more here:  European Policy & Funding.

Although Belgium is an active member of many international organisations, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Brussels-Capital Region only participates in multilateral organisations that relate to External linkits own competence areas, such as research, digitisation, housing, employment, the economy, mobility and the climate.

A few examples below: 

• Opens in new windowOrganisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) – with contributions and studies on urban and sustainable development policies.
• Opens in new windowCouncil of Europe – through programmes on human rights and democracy.
• Opens in new windowUnited Nations (UN) – the Region participates in urban issues such as UN-Habitat and follows the work of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
• Opens in new windowBenelux Union – via working groups on issues such as mobility or the environment.

Being a member of an international organisation also entails responsibilities. The Brussels-Capital Region helps to apply international agreements. It also needs to report on this regularly. This is the case, for example, for Opens in new windowthe Paris Climate Agreement or Opens in new windowthe European Social Charter of the Council of Europe.

The Region also gives its advice on drafts for new international laws. In consultation with the other Belgian authorities, and via permanent consultation structures, it ensures that the new regulations take the Brussels reality into account. New agreements and treaties must also be approved by the Parliament of the Brussels-Capital Region.

International cooperation is not an end in itself. It is a tool for strengthening local policies. It is important to work together to solve problems that cross borders. By actively participating in international organisations, the Brussels-Capital Region contributes to global solutions. From its participation, it also gains valuable knowledge, experience and resources that help to turn Brussels into a more sustainable, inclusive and better governed region.

This international commitment is not limited to multilateral organisations: the Region also cooperates through bilateral relationswith other cities and development cooperationMoreover, it participates in various city networks.