Commissioner for Europe and International Organisations

The Brussels Commissioner for Europe and International Organisations (commissioner.brussels) has a unique mission in the capital of Europe. We act as a go-between linking regional authorities with the international organisations based here. We also support International Brusselers in settling down through our Expat Welcome Desk. This diverse mandate makes us a centre of expertise on the issues raised by Brussels’ special role as a hub of international governance.

The numerous EU institutions and international organisations in Brussels make a meaningful contribution to the social and economic dynamism of the Region. How can we best welcome these organisations and their workers? How can we ensure that this international presence brings benefits for the whole Region and all of its residents?

The host region policy is an answer to these questions. It is a broad-based hospitality policy for the supranational and intergovernmental organisations settled in the Brussels-Capital Region, including diplomatic missions and regional or local representations.

Our External linkInstitutional Liaison Unit is a single point of contact (SPOC) for relations between the Brussels authorities and the European and international organisations. We facilitate cooperation and dialogue on issues including urban planning, mobility, safety and the environment.

With our extensive networks, formal taskforces and high-level summits, we can always gather the relevant actors. This makes it possible to respond to the expectations of all the European institutions and international organisations in Brussels. We also reinforce the accessibility and visibility of the Brussels authorities.

Our External linkExpat Welcome Desk (EWD) offers information and tailored advice and assistance to International Brusselers, both newcomers and long-time residents. The EWD is here to answer any individual questions on administrative issues such as rental contracts, tax and residence permits. We organise seminars for expats and welcome sessions for groups such as interns. We also run timely outreach campaigns on issues like elections, and we launched the democratic participation platform Brussels Voice.

The role of Brussels Commissioner for Europe and International Organisations is a political mandate, and the holder is appointed by the Brussels-Capital Region Government. Since the creation of the position in 2014, it has been held by Alain Hutchinson.

commissioner.brussels takes the form of a non-profit association financed by the Brussels-Capital Region. Our small, dynamic and multilingual team works on all aspects of the host region policy, under the leadership of the Commissioner and in a strategic framework established by the government. Our board members represent the Brussels government.