Internationally. in Flanders, Such Fields

Flanders is inter natio nal Responsible editor: Julie Bynens, Secretary General of the Flanders Department of Foreign Affairs Government of Flanders Herman Teirlinck Building Havenlaan 88 box 80 1000 Brussels

Coordination: Flanders Department of Foreign Affairs (Hilde Creten, Eline Franckaert, Koen Jongbloet)

Layout: Hearts&Minds, Brussels

In collaboration with: Flanders Investment & Trade, Visit Flanders, Flemish Peace Institute, VLEVA and Flemish people in the world.

Date: November 2018

Depot number: D/2018/3241/283 Preface

Dear Reader,

For centuries, Flanders has been a hub for international politics, trade and culture. It remains so today. We host both the European Union and NATO. We are the 15th-largest exporter worldwide. We are home to people of 166 different nationalities. And our cultural cities are a magnet for world-class arts events.

Retaining our central place throughout the centuries is thanks in no small part to our native entrepreneurship, adaptability and ambition - tempered by our objectivity and realism. We recognise that we are dependent on the world around us for our prosperity and development. Then as now, Flanders must be international, or it is not Flanders.

International solidarity is the foundation for our active foreign policy. We represent our interests in various ways across multiple domains, always with a keen sense of the global interests at play. Because ultimately, what is good for the world, is also good for Flanders.

Flanders agrees fully-fledged international treaties, organises diplomatic and economic services abroad, and manages its own foreign policy budget. Flanders’ foreign policy takes shape through the Department of Foreign Affairs and is implemented in cooperation with the other departments and agencies.

In this brochure you can read more about our goals and our approach to realising them. I would like to invite you to learn more about Flanders.

Julie Bynens Secretary General of the Flanders Department of Foreign Affairs Contents

Flanders is international - Facts & Figures 5

1. Foreign Policy in five dimensions 8

Flanders as a diplomatic actor 8

Trade at the service of employment and prosperity 14

Global support for sustainable transition 18

Cross-border relations through culture, science and tourism 23

Human rights, peace and security 27

Flanders’ Foreign Network 32

2. Foreign Policy Actors 34

The Department of Foreign Affairs: Shaping and implementing policy 34

Flanders Investment & Trade: The go-to organisation for international business 36

VISITFLANDERS: Putting Flanders in the spotlight as top destination 38

The Flemish Peace Institute: Monitoring peace and security 40

Liaison Agency Flanders-Europe (VLEVA): Building bridges between Europe and Flanders 42

Flemish people in the world: Treasuring the bond with the homeland 44

3. Legal framework 46

Legal context and background 46 5

According to Number of the KOF inhabitants (2017) GDP in GDP per Surface: 6.516.011 Flanders: capita: Globalisation 13,522 km2 Index, Flanders EUR 240.8 EUR billion 35,800 is the most globalised economy in the world. FLANDERS IS INTERNATIONAL Facts & Figures

Brussels is: Flanders: 3 Capital of logistics centre of Flanders and Western Europe Belgium 3 Capital of the EU 3 Headquarters London Amsterdam of NATO 4 3 3 2nd-largest Frankfurt ports airports diplomatic hub in the world Paris 916 km 1,607 km of motorway of railway

of the European consumer market 60% within a radius of 500 km

Antwerp’s P.P. 4% Rubens is known as a baroque 3% painter by 20 to 40% of the 2% Flanders invests 2.7% of its population in GDP in research and development 1% India, Japan, China, (2016), holding the 7th place

the US and Brazil. 0% Japan Sweden Denmark Finland Germany USA Flanders worldwide for R&D expenditure. Development cooperation 3 partner countries in southern Africa EXPORT EUR 317 billion (goods, 2017)

IMPORT EUR 299 billion (goods, 2017) IMPORT Malawi

South Africa Mozambique

Top 5 export destinations (2017)

GERMANY NETHERLANDS FRANCE UK ITALY 1 EUR 53,2 billion 2 EUR 39,8 billion 3 EUR 39,3 billion 4 EUR 27,9 billion 5 EUR 15,5 billion

Top 5 investors (2017) USA NETHERLANDS GERMANY FRANCE CHINA 1 46 projects 2 25 projects 3 23 projects 4 18 projects 5 14 projects (21,40%) (11,63%) (10,70%) (8,37%) (6,51%)

Foreign Top 5 investments international in Flanders migration to 2016 EUR 1,87 billion With 4,3% Flanders (2018) 2017 EUR 2,08 billion job seekers, 2016 unemployment in Flanders 1 NETHERLANDS is among the lowest in Europe (2017)

2017 2 ROMANIA

3 POLAND 215 5377 new new 8,4% of Flanders’ residents have projects jobs a foreign nationality 4 BULGARIA 2/3 from the EU 1/3 non-EU 5 MOROCCO

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In 2017, Flanders spent more than EUR 50 million on development cooperation

Main export sectors Flanders is the 15th exporter worldwide (WTO) 1 Chemistry and pharma EUR 68,6 billion Every year

2 5600 students Transport equipment go abroad through the Erasmus+ EUR 41,4 billion programme. That is 80% more than 10 years ago 3 Machines and electrical equipment EUR 34,6 billion 4 7 Mineral products in EUR 28,9 billion Flemings 5 10 In 2017 there were over Plastic and are positive about applications EU membership 30 million EUR 27,2 billion overnight touristic stays in Flanders People of 166 different nationalities live in Flanders

Flanders In total, the Government International hosts of Flanders spends institutions in Brussels approximately EUR 160 employ approximately 280 million annually on 48.000 people music festivals foreign policy per season in all its facets Foreign policy 1. in five dimensions Flanders as a diplomatic actor

Flanders engages European Union: The Fulcrum proactively in foreign of Our Foreign Policy policy at multiple levels: The added value of the EU for every citizen’s daily life can hardly be the European level; overstated. In scores of policy areas, European decisions are the foundation bilateral level (in relation on which member states and regions build. For these reasons, the EU is the to individual states or fulcrum of our own foreign policy. federated states); and at Diplomatic Ties with the EU the multilateral level.

Flanders represents its values and The General Representation of interests within the EU on two tiers: the Government of Flanders through direct contacts with the operates within Belgium’s EU institutions, and on behalf of Permanent Representation to Belgium. This last activity is based on the EU. Its autonomous team of an intra-Belgian framework ensuring more than twenty staff members a cohesive approach to EU positions, (seconded from all policy areas and representation for our region of the Government of Flanders) in negotiations within European negotiates daily within the European institutions. This framework provides institutions. Flanders and the other federated states a large degree of direct involvement and representation, unparalleled in other Member States.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible for the coherence of Flemish input into European decision-making processes. As the diplomatic link between Flanders and the EU, its role is chiefly one of MORE coordination: of the Flemish position on issues such as trade policy, the about the Flemish Representation European budget, cohesion policy at the EU can be found at and Brexit; and on the adoption of www.flandersineu.be The Errera House in Brussels, the official EU legislation into Flemish law. residence of the Government of Flanders. 8 9 The Government of Flanders’ 2016 • A reinforced Schengen zone, with Vision Statement on the future of properly-functioning external A Guiding Vision the EU functions as a touchstone border controls. for the government of Flanders • Providing specific support for socio- Foreign policy for the Future services when it comes to evaluating economic reforms in the Member European policy and legislative States and federated states. proposals. • Generating a reinvigorated investment framework that adheres in five dimensions The Vision Statement identifies 10 to the Stability and Growth Pact. core interests with respect to the EU: • Fostering effective social policy, particularly addressing social • Safeguarding our shared dumping and fiscal shopping. fundamental values, standards and • Broadening the European Monetary freedoms; and championing them Union, with the completion of the across the world. Banking Union as a priority. • Expanding the internal market to include an energy, transport and digital union. • Effecting a breakthrough for the most strategic trade agreements with state-of-the-art investment protection. • Expanding the European Research Area through research programmes to catalyse the knowledge- based and low-carbon economy of tomorrow. And, this as part of an ambitious and effective sustainability policy including the whole implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement. • A powerful foreign and security policy, especially in Europe’s 9 May 2018 – Minister-president Geert Bourgeois meets Jean-Claude Juncker, neighbouring regions. president of the European Commission, in the Flemish Parliament on Europe Day. (© Flemish Parliament)

Flemish EU Diplomacy: Three Core Interests

Trade Policy: Creating Sustainable outside the EU, it does so with Opportunities for Enterprises a mandate determined by the The Government of Flanders is Member States. strongly committed to the Common Commercial Policy, in line with the Flanders is responsible for its own

specific interests of the Flemish export promotion and policy, and VISION STATEMENT VISION OF THE economy. therefore also for supporting Flemish FUTURE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION companies in their international The EU has exclusive competence activities (more on p. 14 and for the Common Commercial Policy. following). When the European Commission participates in negotiations on Multilateral and bilateral free trade multilateral trade liberalisation within agreements also create structural and the World Trade Organization, and sustainable trade liberalisation, which Vision for the Future of when it negotiates bilateral free trade in turn creates more opportunity for the European Union agreements with major markets our companies internationally. bit.ly/2DrRLZ3 EU budget: Investments with Added Value The EU subsidises a wide range of projects within Flanders’ areas of competence (including research, development, innovation, education, transport, cohesion, agriculture Brexit: Protecting Citizens It quickly became clear that a soft and the environment). In its turn, and Businesses Brexit would be the least detrimental the Government of Flanders also The United Kingdom’s departure to Flanders’ interests. Consequently, contributes resources to European from the EU poses a significant this became the position of Flanders projects and is responsible for challenge for Flanders. in the Brexit negotiations (“Brexit: managing them in cooperation with Flemish Interests and Priorities”). the European institutions (examples As our fourth-largest trading partner, include cohesion policy and rural and with a Flemish trade surplus of The Department of Foreign Affairs development policy). around 13 billion euros (2017), the UK and Flanders Investment & Trade is of particular economic importance. constantly monitor stakeholder The Department of Foreign Affairs But Brexit has consequences in needs and concerns across a variety represents Flemish values and other areas as well, such as fisheries, of sectors, raising emergent issues interests in the negotiations on the transport and research. with decision-makers in EU and European (multi-annual) budget, Belgian institutions, as they arise. cohesion policy and InvestEU Fund.

18 September 2018 – Flemish minister for Energy, Bart Tommelein, at the Informal Meeting for Energy Ministers of the EU in Linz, Austria (first row, th4 from the right)

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Bilateral Dialogue with Countries and Regions

The Government of Flanders’ Working with neighbouring Of equal importance are culture international role is not limited to countries often involves transport and education, as well as future EU EU matters. The Government of connections or other issues related regulations. Flanders has entered into Flanders maintains close ties with to logistics, infrastructure, energy numerous treaties with neighbouring other national governments and or the environment. One such countries for cooperation in these federated states. Trade issues, such agreement, with the Netherlands, areas. as cooperation between ports or is for the deepening of the Scheldt research and development, are often river or the joint construction of a Flemish development cooperation is high on the agenda when engaging new sea lock. Another example is also predominantly bilateral and has with countries outside the EU. the treaty that Flanders concluded taken form through discussions and Ultimately, many of our policy goals with France and Wallonia regarding negotiations with the governments necessitate direct consultation and/ the Lys Mitoyenne. of South Africa, Mozambique and or cooperation with those countries. Malawi.

Triangular Cooperation for Better Access: Lys Mitoyenne

The Lys Mitoyenne is located on the border between Flanders, Wallonia and France. It forms a link for international inland navigation between the Seine and Scheldt rivers. The aim of the 2018 Lys Mitoyenne Treaty is to improve the waterway between the Seine and Scheldt basins for smooth, safe, reliable and sustainable water transport. 8 November 2016 – Minister-president Geert Bourgeois and minister-president of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, in Ghent at the biennial Flemish – Dutch Summit.

In addition to funding from Flanders, the Walloon Region and France, this project also has significant EU co-funding (within the framework of the Ten-T project). As of 2018, Flanders is party to 37 exclusive bilateral treaties and 196 memoranda of understanding.

8 February 2017 – Delegation of Libyan local government representatives at the Errera House in Brussels.

To facilitate these agreements, All of this results in a busy the Government of Flanders has international agenda. In 2018, bolstered Flemish diplomacy by members of the Government of establishing bilateral diplomatic Flanders met with their counterparts missions in The Hague, Berlin, in 44 missions abroad. Conversely, in London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Vienna, the same year more than 12 foreign Warsaw, New York and Pretoria. ministers or official delegations were More information about them can received at the political level by the be found in the final section of this Government of Flanders. brochure.

25 January 2018 – In Ghent, Flemish minister for Culture, Sven Gatz, and vice-president of Hauts-de-France in charge of Culture, François Decoster, sign the agreement for cultural cooperation between Flanders and Hauts-de-France. (© Michiel Devijver)

MORE about Flanders’ bilateral relations with other countries and regions is at bit.ly/2FscEWn

18 August 2017 – Joseph Mwanamvekha, minister for Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development of Malawi, welcomes Minister-president Geert Bourgeois at Lilongwe airport, Malawi. 12 13

25 - 27 September 2015 – UN Headquarters in New York, USA, during the United Nations 4 November 2015 – Flemish minister for Sustainable Development Summit 2015. (© UN Photo) Education, Hilde Crevits, at the 38th General Conference of UNESCO in Paris, France. Multilateral Cooperation

In addition to its cooperation with Multilateral partnerships are Flanders has gone on to sign and within the EU, and its direct particularly effective for setting cooperation agreements with these cooperation with countries and specific policy targets such as and other large UN organisations, regions beyond the EU, Flanders also ensuring dignified work, children’s such as UNAIDS and WHO, in which participates in many multilateral rights and gender equality. Flanders’ specific financing mechanisms are organisations. UN agencies such first such partnership, with UNESCO provided. as UNICEF, UNESCO and WHO are and ILO, dates from the 1990s. important partners, as are other Today, Flanders is a reliable donor international organisations such as to UN agencies UNRWA and UNICEF, OECD or the Council of Europe. and is the largest subnational donor to the UN Central Emergency Relief Fund and UNESCO.

The government of Flanders also enjoys active partnership in the Council of Europe, OECD and UNWTO, as well as with the WTO and the World Bank group. To streamline the cooperation between the Government of Flanders and these institutions, two multilateral posts were set up within the Flemish diplomatic network: one in Geneva and one in Paris.

8 December 2016 – Flemish minister for Tourism, Ben Weyts, receives secretary-general of UNWTO, Taleb Rifai, at the Errera House in Brussels. Trade at the Service of Employment and Prosperity

International trade is part of Flanders’ DNA. Just think of Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp - cities that rose to prominence centuries ago as major trade centres in Western Europe. Today, 95.5% of the region’s GDP is earned through international trade: twice the EU average. In absolute terms, Flanders is the 15th-largest exporter in the world, exporting three times as much per capita as Germany. Yet markets never stand still, and neither does Flanders. We are always looking to further enhance our position. We continuously invest in infrastructural improvement, and in developing our wide range of tools for stimulating international trade and promoting free trade agreements.

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International Trade and Foreign Investments

Export Promotion The importance of foreign trade can Flanders’ international for Our Companies hardly be overstated. As a centrally- trade policy objectives: located region, at the heart of a Flanders autonomously promotes prosperous and productive Western export and supports Flanders-based Europe, foreign trade is the main • Improve market access companies that are active in and artery of Flanders’ economy. Exports • Remove trade barriers export to foreign markets. A network have increased year on year to of 96 representation offices in 70 317 billion euros in 2017. Similarly, • Liberalise services and countries helps companies market imports of foreign goods reached investments their products and services to every a new record of 299 billion euros • Open market for corner of the world. Conversely, the in 2017. Flanders’ export ratio and public procurement network also guides foreign investors export per capita are among the • Safeguard intellectual to Flanders. highest in the world. property rights Within the European Union, it is • Include SMEs Trade Agreements the common market that ensures • Consider the multilateral the free movement of all goods and and Free Trade framework services, capital and people. The EU internal market is very important • Protect sensitive sectors Competence for trade agreements and positive for trade within and • Promote sustainable and free trade is shared between beyond Europe. Approximately development Flanders and the federal government. 70% of Flanders’ exports go to the Flanders’ trade interests are European Union, with the most represented directly by Flanders, or important markets for goods located in a coordinated Belgian position, in neighbouring countries. depending on the forum. Free trade agreements can only be approved Direct trade outside Europe accounts with Flanders’ consent. for 30% of Flanders’ GDP. Here again, the European Union plays an unmissable role as its European Commission Directorate-General for Trade represents all Member States in all trade agreements with third countries.

Influencing EU policy

Flanders plays a proactive and The European Trade and Investment policy, all entities and powers of the positive role in the development and Protection Policy Working Group Government of Flanders can take implementation of European trade is responsible for the permanent part. The Department of Foreign policy. Specific areas of attention monitoring of European trade Affairs coordinates the tasks of this include: the interests of SMEs; further policy and coordination between working group. liberalisation of the trade in services; Flanders’ policy departments. the reduction of non-tariff barriers It also represents Flemish trade Via the General Representation of to trade; the importance of flexible positions in federal, European and the Government of Flanders within labour mobility; and, the potential international contexts. Civil servants the Permanent Representation of of trade as a tool for sustainable and representatives of the Ministers Belgium to the European Union, a development. of the Government of Flanders come finger is also kept on the pulse at the together in this working group. Due European Commission, and European to the comprehensive and diagonal trade contacts are maintained. nature of the trade and investment Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) is for instance, by discussing these the region’s specialised agency for issues in the Market Access Advisory export and investment promotion. Its Committee of the European mission is to support Flanders-based Commission, EU Member States and exporters and to attract foreign European business federations. investments to Flanders. Consequently, FIT’s dedicated hotline The Trade Barriers Hotline – solves problems for the companies accessible via FIT’s website – helps involved, and provides strategically companies to address their specific important information about the trade problems in markets outside needs of Flanders-based companies. Europe. In cooperation with the This information also contributes European Commission, FIT and the to defining the position of the Department of Foreign Affairs aim Government of Flanders in trade to resolve these trade barriers, negotiations. Export Lion – Annual award of Flanders Investment & Trade for Flemish companies with exceptional export figures.

Flanders Accelerates! This co-creation initiative has • Optimising services for international resulted in the formulation of the companies based in Flanders. Since October 2015, FIT has following objectives, which are • Maximizing Flanders’ strengths: organised an extensive co-creation part of the ‘Flanders Accelerates!’ pharma & biotech; food & beverage; process that enables 150 Flanders- internationalisation strategy: engineering & technology; smart based companies, civil society • Offering a clearer range of support logistics; and sustainable (raw) partners, knowledge institutions services for companies operating materials & chemistry. and government actors to meet internationally. regularly to discuss how Flanders’ • Facilitating international Beyond these initiatives, FIT has economy can grow and become more entrepreneurship with proposals set up the ‘Export Lion’ annual sustainable on an international scale. for legislative and regulatory award for Flemish companies with improvements. exceptional export figures. And most • Examining how start-ups can be recently Flanders Investment & Trade supported more efficiently in their organised the 2018 Export Fair in internationalisation plans. Brussels.

Flanders Investment & Trade at the Export Fair 2018 in Brussels. 16 17

Maintaining and Improving Infrastructure

Easy accessibility is the single most Ostend) by conducting, among important requirement for trade, other things, dredging works, the not least because three-quarters of organisation of new locks and a export continues to be goods. As stronger focus on faster transit a centrally-located region with a times. strong trading spirit, the transport and traffic infrastructure in Flanders In one of the most densely- is traditionally very dense. In fact, populated areas of the world, Flanders has the second densest rail inland waterways offer sustainable, and road network in Europe. The reliable and environmentally-friendly logistics sector is responsible for no connections between large industrial less than 9% of Flanders’ GDP. zones and service centres. That is why upgrading the Seine-Scheldt Given the importance of a well- connection is a top priority in recent developed infrastructure for the years. This is an exciting investment competitive position of Flemish for Flanders, as it is for France The 3RX project is another companies, the Government of and Wallonia, because so far, the emblematic, cross-border project. For Flanders is constantly investing in two river basins have never been years, Flanders has been making the maintenance and improvement of optimally connected. The project case for a rail connection for goods the infrastructure. In recent years, is one of the 30 priorities of the between the port of Antwerp, the special attention was paid to the European Ten-T initiative (Trans- Netherlands and the German Ruhr accessibility of the Flemish ports European transport network). area. In this ‘missing link’, selected (Antwerp, Zeebrugge, Ghent and by the European Commission as a Ten-T project in 2015, the Government of Flanders cooperates through diplomatic channels with the relevant authorities in the Netherlands, Germany and North Rhine-Westphalia.

CURRENT INFORMATION on major infrastructure and mobility sites can be found on the Department of Mobility and Public Works website bit.ly/2RZLZlf Global Support for a Sustainable Transition

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations has as its main aims: putting an end to extreme poverty, protecting the earth, ensuring inclusive and peaceful societies and pursuing fair prosperity for everyone. The Government of Flanders uses all seventeen Sustainable Development Goals to guide its international operations. To this end, Flanders finances programmes in the areas of agriculture, health care, climate and green jobs in southern Africa, while also supporting civil society organisations and local governments in Flanders. All with the goal of actively supporting change that has an impact at an international level. Flanders has also grown into a valued partner and donor of multilateral and international organisations. An explicit thematic and geographical focus, as well as an innovative approach are key aspects of Flemish participation.

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Innovative Donor with Maximum Impact

The Flemish approach was well The new forms of cooperation in In addition, Flanders was appreciated received in the OECD 2018 study which Flanders and other donor by the local partners as a flexible on decentralised development states enter into partnerships donor who has the courage to focus cooperation. In particular, the with multilateral organisations, on innovation, new technologies thematic and geographical focus national ministries and parastatal and experiments. Flanders is that Flanders consistently applies, institutes, were also seen as a consciously committed to this role was praised. This focus enables a positive evolution. These multi-actor as an innovator and incubator. long-term strategy, a high level of aid partnerships increase the long-term When a pilot project proves to be predictability, and the full potential commitment and the effectiveness of successful and larger donors become for expertise building and capacity development cooperation. involved, Flanders looks for scale-up strengthening. opportunities.

Investment in Sustainable Agriculture and Health Care

The partner countries of Flanders’ In fact, the latter is always relevant development cooperation are in situations with deprivation or Malawi, Mozambique and South poverty, for which solving immediate Africa. For each country, a distinctly local challenges is key. thematic focus is applied, based on a considered analysis of the biggest For example, the Government of needs and challenges. Flanders decided to support a project by Tradeline Corporation Limited With respect to Malawi, the focus in Malawi to promote the market is on agriculture and food security. access for small-scale farmers and Cooperation with Mozambique farmers’ organisations through revolves around the theme of health. the development of a favourable For South Africa the emphasis is on business climate. A budget of 1.6 adaptation to climate change, job million euros was made available creation and the green economy. for this. In Malawi, Tradeline The Farmer Warehouse Chilanga, Malawi Corporation strives to develop a the supply side, as well as the large it attempts to change the attitude private sector driven by a flourishing national or regional buyers on the towards harmful social norms and and competitive agribusiness which demand side. practices in a positive way. contributes to economic growth and the creation of dignified work in the A similar focus on a specific target ICRH-Mozambique is a partner of country. group features in a programme ICRH-Global, founded under the supported by the Government of initiative of the University of Ghent, Through the provision of technical Flanders with regard to reproductive with the support of the Government assistance, of financial support and health in Mozambique. of Flanders. Funding of 1,119.810 euros the development of commercial has been provided for the 2018-2022 partnerships, Tradeline Corporation The cooperation between the period. is strengthening the capacity of 30 Government of Flanders and the emerging marketing organisations in International Centre for Reproductive the focus districts of Kasungu and Health in Mozambique aims to Mzimba. At the end of the project, improve sexual and reproductive the companies will be able to assume health and rights of adolescents their market function independently (boys and girls aged between 10 and and will have the skills, tools, 18). The focus is on reducing teen network and resources to maintain pregnancies, unsafe abortions, new a sustainable trading relationship HIV and STI infections, as well as with the small-scale producers on gender-related violence. In addition,

25 August 2017 – Information stand of ICRH-Mozambique at the high school of Nhongonhane, Mozambique, on sexual and reproductive health.

The Fight against Climate Change

Beyond the significant challenge Flanders commits 14.5 million euros it poses to humankind, climate annually for this objective within change is a reality that threatens a framework of cooperation with to increase inequality in the world. southern Africa for the period Climate change is more pronounced from 2016 to 2020. These funds in developing countries than in the will be used for subsidies to the northern hemisphere, and developing African Climate Change Fund, Red countries are more directly Cross Flanders, the World Health dependent on natural resources to Organization and the Department of provide for livelihoods and incomes. Environmental Affairs South Africa.

This has prompted agreements The aim is to enable the partner within the UN to reserve 100 billion countries to adapt to the effects of dollars annually for international climate change and to pursue a low- climate finance by 2020. carbon development path.

Basic principles of Flemish Development Cooperation

STIMULATE ADOPT A SYSTEMATIC FOCUS ON INNOVATION APPROACH COOPERATION 20 21 EVOLUTION OF TOTAL ODA: BREAKDOWN BETWEEN DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION POLICY AND OTHER ODA

€ 60 60% A five-year country programme is being drawn up € 50 50% in cooperation with the partner countries in southern Africa. € 40 40% The country strategy outlines € 21,6 € 23,3 € 29,8 € 26,7 € 32,6 € 30,8 € 29,0 € 25,0 € 28,1 the supported sectors, the € 30 30% objectives and the available budget. To achieve this, € 20 20% Flanders works together with governments, non-governmental € 10 10% partners and multilateral

€ 28,0 € 24,9 € 24,3 € 24,5 € 23,2 € 24,3 € 24,9 € 30,6 € 22,1 organisations, and increasingly MILLION € 0 0% in mixed partnerships also. 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Development cooperation policy expenditure Other ODA % development cooperation policy on total ODA (right axis)

Expenditure qualifies as ODA (Official Development Assistance), when it meets the following criteria: Official - the expenditure comes strictly from government funds. Development - economic and social development is the prime goal. Assistance - it is aid (i.e., it is not a commercial transaction subject to market conditions). The assistance is going to a country (or group of countries) or an international institution on the DAC list. Country Strategy Paper South-Africa Development Cooperation bit.ly/2OO6wHC through Multilateral Channels

With respect to development Flanders influences international cooperation, Flanders liaises policy and regulations by actively with multilateral organisations participating in forums and that support and propagate the administrative bodies. Flanders also established Flemish policy priorities, uses international regulations and such as UNAIDS, WHO, FAO, WFP, international recommendations from ICRAF, UNEP, UNICEF and UNDP. This the multilateral institutions to shape involves two-way traffic between the its own policy. Country Strategy Paper Flemish and the international level. Mozambique (NL) bit.ly/2DTHIwT

Getting the North in Motion

In Flanders, development cooperation This is achieved through education, promotes a fair and sustainable media and supporting innovative growth and solidarity. projects and volunteer initiatives. Basic principles of Flemish Development Cooperation

Country Strategy Paper Malawi bit.ly/2QPVB20 22 23

Cross-border Connections through Culture, Science and Tourism

Flanders’ foreign policy focuses on culture, science, education and tourism. Hardly surprisingly considering that Flanders is known across the world for its ancient and contemporary culture, as well as for being an innovative knowledge area.

Cultural Diplomacy

In Flanders’ foreign policy, a special Flanders has two cultural centres Language Treaty. But the connection place is reserved for culture. Flanders abroad: ‘de Brakke grond’ in is not limited to language alone. has a rich cultural tradition. It is Amsterdam and ‘Arts Flanders Flanders and the Netherlands also world famous for its fine arts - like Japan’ in Tokyo. Both are founded have close historical, cultural, the Flemish Primitives - and the on the belief that an inspirational political and socio-economic ties. work of leading contemporary environment for artists and Cooperation in the areas of culture, artists and creative centres. It has art publics is fostered through education, science and welfare was a solid reputation that generates collaboration and exchange. embedded in the Cultural Treaty opportunities for emerging Flemish Flanders-Netherlands in 1995. artists abroad, and is also a valuable Language unites Flanders and the tool for strengthening Flanders’ Netherlands. With respectively international position and image. 6.5 and 17 million Dutch-speaking citizens, Dutch is the seventh Involvement in major international largest language group in Europe. exhibitions, festivals or publications The language alliance was formally keeps our arts in the spotlight. ratified in 1980 with the Dutch Following joint participation at Cultural diplomacy is not limited to Flanders participates in European the Frankfurter Buchmesse in merely showing what Flanders has and international cultural networks 1993, Flanders and the Netherlands to offer. There is also a focus on through membership of international teamed up again in 2016 as ‘guest of cultural diversity and recognition of organisations such as EUNIC honour’ at the largest book fair in the added value and effectiveness of (European Union National Institutes the world. This joint project, entitled cultural cooperation and the cross- for Culture) and UNESCO. ‘This is What We Share’, resulted in border exchange of ideas, values and 450 new publications related to the traditions. Cultural cooperation leads The Flanders UNESCO Trustfund Netherlands or Flanders, including to mutual understanding, recognition (FUT) ensures Flemish support for 314 new literary translations. A record and détente. By supporting projects many UNESCO heritage projects, in the long history of the Buchmesse. that enhance intercultural dialogue, mainly in southern Africa. Expanding The Flemish-Dutch literary wave Flanders aims to protect an open capacity and expertise - with special reached audiences beyond the walls and free society against the dangers regard to intangible cultural heritage of the book fair. In various venues, that arise from polarisation, fear and such as dance, rituals and music - to (literary) festivals and museums in division. Flanders acknowledges the ensure the safeguarding of world and beyond Germany. power of artists and performers in heritage is the main focus. transition processes towards more democracy and self-development. In other words, culture draws attention to a number of fundamental values and norms of our foreign policy.

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Brussels (© Visit Flanders). Rosas & TG Stan QUARTETT (© Herman Sorgeloos).

16 May 2016 – Flemish minister for Tourism, Ben Weyts, and Flemish minister for Culture, Sven Gatz, visit the London National Gallery, for the project “Flemish Masters 2018 – 2020”. (© BELGA Nicolas Maeterlinck) 24 25

Leuven’s IMEC is a good example of In order to shape the scientific how research and development in a cooperation with UNESCO, Flanders niche area can become a worldwide has created the Flemish UNESCO Flemish companies success story, as well as a hotspot Science Trust Fund (FUST). Flemish actively participate for growth locally. IMEC, a spin- scientific expertise on water in the Horizon 2020 off of the University of Leuven, management is used through FUST programme of the was founded in 1984 as a research as an important weapon against the centre for nanotechnology and adverse effects of climate change. European Commission. nanoelectronics. Today, it forms a bridge between science and industry and has developed applications in healthcare, smart electronics, sustainable energy systems and transport. Since the merger with iMinds (active in ICT and broadband research) in 2016, IMEC employs 3,500 scientists from 73 countries. IMEC is now the mothership to numerous spin-offs and start-ups.

Many Flemish companies participate World Class actively in the Horizon 2020 programme, the European subsidy in Education programme for research and and Research innovation that runs from 2014-2020.

Flanders’ higher education and Flanders is a founding member of the research rank very highly in the ‘Vanguard Initiative for new growth world. In order to maintain and through smart specialisation’. The strengthen this level of quality, a Vanguard Initiative is a joint venture well-thought-out internationalisation between European regions actively strategy to safeguard the position working on new technologies as of Flanders within a globalised a catalyst for renewed industrial knowledge society is necessary. growth in Europe. The goal is to reflect on the decisions of the As a result of close cooperation European Council and to develop between the private sector, true regional ecosystems around new universities and the government technologies. The numerous foreign (the so-called triple helix model), missions of the government with four strategic research centres are STI-participation (science, technology now operating in Flanders. IMEC and innovation organisations), (nanotechnology and ICT), VIB show the importance of science and (biotechnology), VITO (cleantech) technology in Flanders’ foreign policy. and Flanders Make (manufacturing industry) are world class research centres in their field of expertise. Tourism directly employs 6.5% of the workforce, or 250,000 Flemings.

Promoting Flanders as a Tourist Destination Year on year, more than 30 million In 2017, VISITFLANDERS organised Flanders is represented in European tourists stay overnight in Flanders a large-scale reputational survey. institutions (Tourism Advisory and Brussels. The tourist sector in In it, 13,000 travellers responded to Committee) and organisations such Flanders directly employs 250,000 questions about associations with as the World Tourism Organisation people (6.5% of the workforce). And Flanders, overall satisfaction with (UNWTO) and NecsTour. The latter is studies show that the ‘value-seeking their visit to Flanders, and length of a network of more than 30 European tourist’ market segment has yet more time spent in Flanders. The survey Regions for sustainable and growth potential. also produced a wealth of insights competitive tourism. about how we can maximize our Quality and sustainability strongest tourism assets. Within UNWTO, Flanders represents are paramount in the further the associated members in the development of the sector. VISITFLANDERS also conducted a Executive Council and in the Fortunately, Flanders has a powerful large-scale survey on familiarity with Programme and Budget Committee. instrument for this in VISITFLANDERS, the Flemish masters abroad, mapping In 2020, Flanders will host the the tourism agency charged with out the market potentials, both in UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy garnering foreign attention for neighbouring countries and in more Tourism. Flanders is also working on Flanders’ many attractions. distant markets in Asia and America. the development of ethical guidelines for tourism in conflict-affected areas.

SPONTANEAOUS ASSOCIATIONS WITH “FLANDERS” (TOTAL EUROPE)

From Reputation Study Flanders 2017, VISITFLANDERS. 26 27

Human Rights, Peace and Security

For Flanders, human rights constitute not only a legal and ethical commitment towards its own citizens, but also a lodestar for foreign policy. A pro-active, international human rights policy indisputably contributes to Flanders’ long-term interests, since respecting human rights ensures more peace, security and economic and social progress in the world. The First World War played a decisive role in the creation of this awareness.

“There is no peace without development, there is no development without peace and there is neither lasting peace nor sustainable development without respect of human rights and the rule of law.”

Former Deputy Secretary General of the UN Jan Eliasson 4 human rights priorities in international policy Our ‘Human Rights and Flanders’ (international) Policy’ brochure provides a detailed summary of • RESPECT FOR THE PHYSICAL past achievements and upcoming INTEGRITY OF EVERY PERSON challenges in this area. • COMBATING ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION

• RESPECT FOR THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

• THE RIGHT TO DECENT WORKING CONDITIONS

Fundamental rights in DOWNLOAD developing countries is also an the brochure here: area of particular focus. bit.ly/2zfqQwI

Human Rights as a Touchstone and an Objective

The Government of Flanders focus. For example, the subsidy to has regarded human rights as a the Human Rights Office of UNAMI in touchstone of foreign policy for a Iraqi Kurdistan for the strengthening considerable time. Underpinning of human rights, citizenship, inter- Flanders’ international efforts for cultural and other norms in the sustainable development is the educational curriculum of public belief that these efforts are only education. Or in Europe with the meaningful if they take place grant to the Human Rights Center in a context that acknowledges “Public Legal Aid” in Belarus. and protects the freedom of the individual. There can be no progress The explicit attention of Flanders without human rights. This ethos to human rights is addressed in 2014 - “The graves are nice this time of manifests itself in the accession the bilateral dialogue and the year”: The photo book and the exhibition of Jimmy Kets provide a surprising view of the to several important human rights corresponding diplomatic contacts. contemporary memorial landscape of treaties, a thorough assessment of Flemish concerns are also actively “The Great War”. arms exports against safety and communicated in the relevant EU human rights criteria, and the use and UN forums. of human rights as a key criterion in the selection of development “The graves are nice this time of cooperation partner countries. year”: The 2014 photo book and exhibition by Jimmy Kets provide In addition, grants are regularly a surprising view of the made to organisations or projects contemporary memorial landscape abroad with a clear human rights of “The Great War”. 28 29

‘100 years Great War’: Lessons from the Past

In 2014, centennial commemorations The centenary was an opportunity Impressive garden designs were of the First World War began for Flanders to spread a message installed at select, symbolic locations worldwide. In the Flemish collective of peace and reconciliation abroad featuring soil from Flanders memory, it is still thought of as ‘the internationally. In Flanders, such Fields. The Government of Flanders Great War’, due to its long-lasting efforts contributed significantly to worked closely with local authorities and destructive character. Flanders raising awareness about themes such in London, Canberra and Dublin to bore witness to every aspect of as tolerance, inter-cultural dialogue realise the project. the conflict - the invasion, the and active international orientation. occupation, the four-year trench The four-year commemoration was warfare and finally the liberation - a catalyst for the maintenance or between 1914 and 1918. Those 4 years renovation of World War I heritage saw 600,000 soldiers and civilians sites, including trenches, cemeteries killed, 550,000 of them in the and familiar landmarks. Maintaining Westhoek (known around the world this heritage is even more important as ‘Flanders Fields’). now that the last witnesses of the war are no longer with us. In Flanders, commemoration of the global conflict was extensive One project that stood out, the and carried with it a significant more so for its not taking place in international resonance. It was Flanders, was the establishing of organised in close cooperation with memorial gardens. foreign partners involved.

4 April 2017 – The official inauguration of the Flanders Fields Memorial Garden in Canberra, Australia. 22 – 26 August 2016 – Flemish presence at the 2nd Conference of the Arms Trade Treaty in Geneva, Switzerland.

Strategic Goods Control

Flanders is without doubt a region conflict management and respect Control for the international trade in whose history is steeped in armed for human rights. And Flanders uses strategic goods is entrusted to the conflict, so there is a natural these criteria as an instrument of its Department of Foreign Affairs and is predisposition for continually responsible export control policy for monitored biannually by the Flemish high vigilance in respect of trade combatting illegal arms flows that Parliament. in firearms and weapon systems. threaten peace and stability in the Flemish legislation places a strong world. emphasis on ethical criteria such as

Arms Control

In addition to analysing licence strengthening of cooperation and Day-to-day, the Department’s applications for trade in strategic convergence. Examples include experts participate in assistance goods, the Department of Foreign the EU Council Working Group on programmes, mainly under the Affairs is internationally active in the export of conventional arms auspices of the European Union, the pursuit of globally-effective and the Conference of States that supporting other countries as they arms trade control, and increased are party to the UN Arms Trade set up their own arms trade control transparency on the import and Treaty. Flanders takes a leading and systems. Flemish experts are active export of weapons. proactive role in these forums. In in the neighbouring countries of the relation to increased transparency, EU, the Western Balkan countries, The Department represents Flanders not only pro-actively Northern Africa, and beyond. Flanders in various European and participates, but also chairs the international forums dealing with relevant working group under the UN agreements on arms trade control, Arms Trade Treaty. exchange of information, and the

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8 December 2017 – CERF thanks Flanders during the Annual High-level Pledging Flanders is the Conference 2018 in New York, USA. leading subnational donor to the UN When Disaster Hits: Humanitarian Aid Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF). With its annual budget reserves Flanders also provides direct grants for humanitarian aid, Flanders to humanitarian organisations shows solidarity with regions that responding to disasters or conflict. are affected by natural disasters If conditions permit, innovative or conflicts. Flanders has made a technologies, such as digital cash substantial contribution to CERF, and transfers, are used to promote has for some time been the leading self-reliance of the victims, without subnational donor to this fund. disrupting the rebuilding of local economy. The Fund ensures that humanitarian organisations have the necessary Finally, Flanders attaches resources for agile responses at the importance to supporting partner onset of crises. countries Malawi and Mozambique with their disaster avoidance or mitigation measures.

25 April 2015 – Kathmandu, Nepal after the earthquake of April, 25th 2015. (© Laxmi Prasad Ngakhusi - UNDP Nepal). St Petersburg Nizhny Novgorod Moscow

Vancouver Montreal Toronto Almaty Istanbul Tashkent Palo Alto Chicago Beijing New York Los Angeles Seoul Tehran Tokyo Algiers Beirut Islamabad Houston Atlanta Tel Aviv Shanghai Casablanca Kuwait Cairo Doha New Delhi Guangzhou Riyad Dubai Taipei Mexico City Abu Dhabi Hanoi Flanders’ Havana Mumbai Hongkong Yangon Bangkok Manila Bengaluru Addis Abeba Panama City Lagos Abidjan Colombo foreign Kuala Lumpur Accra Nairobi Bogota Singapore Kinshasa Jakarta Luanda network Lilongwe

Lima São Paulo Maputo Pretoria

Santiago Johannesburg Helsinki Oslo Montevideo Stockholm Buenos Aires Melbourne Edinburgh

Dublin Christchurch The Government of Flanders has an extensive Vilnius Copenhagen Amsterdam network of foreign representation offices. Poznan London The Hague Brussels Berlin Warsaw Cologne Kiev Flanders Investment & Trade offices abroad Lille Praag Luxembourg Paris Flanders Investment & Trade offices abroad in Stuttgart Vienna Zürich cooperation with Awex and Brussels Hub Genève Budapest Lyon Ljubljana VISITFLANDERS offices abroad Bucharest Bordeaux Milan Zagreb Belgrade General representations of the Government of Flanders - AAVR Madrid Soﬁa Barcelona Rome General representations of the Government of Flanders - Lisbon at Multilateral organisations

Country offices development cooperation Athens

Flanders’ Cultural House ‘de Brakke Grond’ in Amsterdam

Arts Flanders Japan-Tokyo 32 33

St Petersburg Nizhny Novgorod Moscow

Vancouver Montreal Toronto Almaty Istanbul Tashkent Palo Alto Chicago Beijing New York Los Angeles Seoul Tehran Tokyo Algiers Beirut Islamabad Houston Atlanta Tel Aviv Shanghai Casablanca Kuwait Cairo Doha New Delhi Guangzhou Riyad Dubai Taipei Mexico City Abu Dhabi Hanoi Havana Mumbai Hongkong Yangon Bangkok Manila Bengaluru Addis Abeba Panama City Lagos Abidjan Colombo Kuala Lumpur Accra Nairobi Bogota Singapore Kinshasa Jakarta Luanda Lilongwe

Lima São Paulo Maputo Pretoria

Santiago Johannesburg Helsinki Oslo Montevideo Stockholm Buenos Aires Melbourne Edinburgh

Dublin Christchurch Vilnius Copenhagen Amsterdam Poznan London The Hague Brussels Berlin Warsaw Cologne Kiev Lille Praag Luxembourg Paris Stuttgart Vienna Zürich Genève Budapest Lyon Ljubljana Bucharest Bordeaux Milan Zagreb Belgrade Madrid Soﬁa Barcelona Lisbon Rome

Athens Flanders’ Foreign 2. Policy Actors

The Department of Foreign Affairs: Shaping and Implementing policy

What? The Department is responsible for: • Expanding cooperation with Since its inception, the Government foreign partners; of Flanders has conducted a • Establishing and implementing foreign policy. The Department European regulations, and of Foreign Affairs is responsible concluding and ratifying for the coordination of Flanders’ international treaties; international and European • International and European trade activities and is therefore in charge policy; of the relations between Flanders • Development cooperation; and foreign governments, the • Controlling the import, export and European Union and international transit of dual use products, arms organisations. and other strategic goods from Flanders.

34 35 Flanders’ Foreign Policy Actors

Why? • monitoring and implementing more Where? than 230 treaties and partnerships: As an open society and economy, trade agreements, Memoranda of • The Department is centrally Flanders balances its commitment Understanding, EU regulations and managed in Brussels and has circa to the Flemish people, companies bilateral and multilateral treaties; 100 staff members. and organisations, with being a • support for numerous initiatives, • Diplomatic representations with committed player in the world, projects and organisations - from approximately 45 staff members including the strong influences that cultural events and international across Brussels (EU), Berlin, The come with international involvement conferences to financing Hague, London, New York, Warsaw, and partners. development projects and funds for Vienna, Pretoria, Madrid, Paris UN agencies; and Geneva. In 2019, a new post This interrelatedness serves to • development, implementation, was opened in Rome. In addition, underscore the crucial role the coordination and evaluation of there are also offices in Prague and Department of Foreign Affairs plays. Flanders’ foreign policy in all Budapest. The offices in Lilongwe its aspects, from cross-border (Malawi) and Maputo (Mozambique) cooperation with neighbouring facilitate development cooperation. How? countries to arms trade control.

• diplomatic representation at 13 missions for strong cooperation with our international partners; • organising more than 30 foreign missions and 30 domestic receptions per year; For an OVERVIEW of all cooperation agreements, conventions and Memoranda of Understanding per country, please see: bit.ly/2S4UP1n

www.fdfa.be Facebook: @FlandersDFA Twitter: @Flanders_DFA Flanders Investment & Trade: The Go-to Organisation for International Business

What? Why?

In 2005, the Government of Flanders Internationalisation fuels Flanders’ launched Flanders Investment & economy. To maintain and Trade (FIT) to support Flemish strengthen the region’s global companies in their export activities, competitiveness, internationalisation while also promoting Flanders as an is a must for Flanders-based ideal investment location for foreign companies. businesses. For a robust regional economy, FIT’s mission is: Flanders also requires sustainable • to advise and support Flanders- foreign investment inflows. Foreign based companies with their export companies represent significant and/or international aspirations; added value in this respect. They • to connect Flemish producers and are catalysts for productivity, job foreign buyers; creation, knowledge building and • to provide information, advice technology links between local and support for foreign companies companies and their employees. looking to develop economic All of this has a clear and positive activities in Flanders. impact on the competitiveness of local companies as well.

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How? FIT has developed an extensive Where? international network of FIT provides four main services: representatives who promote While it is headquartered in support and advice; organising Flanders as an economic partner and Brussels, FIT maintains closer links events such as trade fair enhance the region’s reputation as with Flanders-based companies participation and group business a knowledge hotspot and strongly through its network of 5 provincial travel; providing financing; and innovative economy. Flemish offices. Beyond the borders, FIT keeps sharing market knowledge. companies and organisations abreast of significant economic looking to conquer new markets market developments around In 2017 alone, FIT organised 124 even faster and more sustainably the world via its network of business trips, attended trade fairs have also benefitted from FIT’s 96 representation offices spread and hosted seminars worldwide. support. As FIT works to fulfil its across 70 countries. The agency also facilitated 4,336 mandate, it contributes to attracting B2B contacts between Flanders- more foreign direct and indirect based and foreign entrepreneurs, investments into Flanders, building and developed 355 trade proposals and evolving a strong network of and 83 market studies. Additionally, local and international contacts as it FIT advised 4,149 Flanders-based does so. companies on exporting, while 2,134 companies received a subsidy to Since 2017, FIT has collaborated boost their exports. FIT proactively with Flanders-based companies, approaches foreign investors through federations and specialists, to roundtables, seminars, trade fairs and coordinate the ‘Flanders Accelerates!’ targeted meetings. strategy for internationalisation.

www.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com Facebook: @flandersinvestmentandtrade Twitter: @FlandersTrade and @InvestFlanders LinkedIn: Flanders Investment & Trade and Invest in Flanders VISITFLANDERS: Promoting Flanders as Top Destination

What? • actively promoting Flanders as a tourist destination in order to VISITFLANDERS is a Government of attract more cultural value seekers Flanders agency for the development and business travellers; and international promotion of • facilitating full participation in Flanders and Brussels as tourist tourism for every Flemish resident; destinations. • stimulating the further professionalisation of the sector VISITFLANDERS is tasked with: to ensure a high-quality offer for • making tourism in Flanders more visitors. attractive to (international) visitors through targeted investments and support;

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Why? How? Where?

The tourism sector employs VISITFLANDERS works closely VISITFLANDERS is headquartered 6.5% of the population. with the Department of Foreign in Brussels and has an international VISITFLANDERS invests in the Affairs and with tourism sector network of foreign offices spread sustainable development and stakeholders, including: around the world. In total, the promotion of Flanders and Brussels • provinces, cities and municipalities agency employs around 200 staff as top tourist destinations to • tourist and non-tourist enterprises members, one quarter of whom are increase profitability, employment • organisations active in the areas of based abroad. The agency is active in and well-being, and last but not tourism, mobility, heritage, culture some thirty international markets. least, to heighten visitor satisfaction. and education.

www.toerismevlaanderen.be and www.visitflanders.com Facebook: @toerismevla and @visitflanders Twitter: @toerisme_vla and @visitflanders LinkedIn: Toerisme Vlaanderen The Flemish Peace Institute: Peace and Security Monitoring

• To inform- The Peace Institute What? organises and stimulates debate by organising events, lectures, The Flemish Peace Institute scientific conferences and policy- was established in 2004 as a oriented seminars, for Flemish paraparliamentary institution at and international audiences. The the Flemish Parliament. Although Institute also provides thorough funded by the Flemish Parliament, and impartial information to the Flemish Peace Institute works journalists and policy makers. independently and impartially. Its • To document- The Peace Institute Board of Directors - whose members manages its own collection of reflect parliamentary factions, civil publications, in collaboration society organisations and academia with the Flemish Parliament’s - has advisory and management Parliamentary Information Centre. responsibilities. The Institute also A catalogue is available online and has a Scientific Council, comprised of the collection is accessible to all. international experts, that supervises and evaluates the Institute’s research. The Institute’s areas of interest include: arms trade and use; the The Institute has four tasks: development and production • To study- Policy-oriented research of weapons, as well as export is the main task of the Institute. control; radicalisation; dealing with The Peace Institute publishes its polarisation in the classroom; urban research in Dutch and English, as violence; and the commemoration of well as issuing background reports violence. and fact sheets. • To advise- The Peace Institute supports the Flemish Parliament with recommendations. The Institute formulates evidence-based advice on arms trade, foreign policy, and dealing with conflict and violence in society.

40 41

Why? How? Where?

Striving for a more peaceful society, The Peace Institute conducts The Scientific Secretariat of the both in our country and throughout scientific research on peace issues. Peace Institute is located at the the world, requires a thorough The Institute uses the results of that Flemish Parliament in Brussels. The understanding of peace issues. research to support the work of the Secretariat currently has thirteen Policy-oriented research has a Flemish Parliament, and the work of staff members: a director, nine critical role to play in this. The aim policy makers at other levels. researchers, two part-time office is not to prescribe decisions, but managers and a communications to inform public debates, to enrich Beyond this work, Institute staff manager. conversations with knowledge and are often invited speakers at to formulate measures. The Peace international conferences, and the Institute delivers thorough and Institute regularly hosts events impartial analyses with these aims in the Flemish Parliament that in mind. bring together policy makers and researchers from across Europe. The Peace Institute produces information, documentation and also formulates recommendations based on its research. The intended audience is not only policy makers, but also civil society organisations, professionals, journalists and the general public.

www.vlaamsvredesinstituut.eu Facebook: @vlaamsvredesinstituut Twitter: @Vredesinstituut LinkedIn: flemishpeaceinstitute Liaison Agency Flanders-Europe (VLEVA): Building Bridges between Europe and Flanders

What? • Bridging- VLEVA works to create a basis for information exchange and The Flanders-Europe Liaison Agency advocacy by following and building is a membership organisation that networks within Flanders, and with builds bridges between the European European partners and institutions. Union, Flemish (local) governments • Supporting Lobbyists- VLEVA does and civil society. VLEVA promotes not take positions, but supports more Europe in Flanders and more its members and governments in Flanders in Europe. It was founded in their lobbying activities, so that the 2006 and is structurally subsidised right information reaches the right by the Government of Flanders. person at the right time. • One-stop Shop- VLEVA is a free VLEVA’s four key tasks are: guide to questions about European • Monitoring- VLEVA filters, analyses contacts and initiatives and and processes European policy provides up-to-date information on documents and initiatives into European funding and jobs. ready-to-use information for stakeholders in Flanders.

42 43

Why? How? Where?

Europe is increasingly our homeland, VLEVA has over thirty members VLEVA is located in the heart of meaning that Flanders must be (governments, interest groups and the European district in Brussels. closely involved in European policy. companies) and its team of 10 staff Both the Government of Flanders works closely with the General and society-at-large play an essential Representation of the Government of role in this. Flanders to the EU. The members and the Flemish authorities determine Flemish civil society organisations the content of the VLEVA’s annual and local authorities can gain better agenda. VLEVA’s information sessions access to European policy through and website are open to everyone. VLEVA’s information platform and network. These resources enable VLEVA members and the Flemish authorities to represent their European interests in a timely and informed manner.

www.vleva.eu Facebook: @vlevavzw Twitter: @VLEVA LinkedIn: VLEVA V

Flemish People in the World: Treasuring the bond with the homeland

What? While VIW is not a government agency, it has been structurally Flemish people in the World supported by the Government Foundation (VIW) assists Flemish of Flanders since its launch, and emigrants and expats whether they can also call on the expertise of a have international aspirations, or number of reliable partners for its are already abroad. With more than work. seventy representatives serving their local compatriots across the world, it’s a global community, spearheaded by its Brussels secretariat.

44 45

Why? How? Representative VIW and its board members lobby VIW’s vision stems from the Personal Service the authorities and public services conviction that a community also VIW supports Flemish people for projects that improve the lives of has responsibilities towards its with international plans through Flemish people worldwide, and that members abroad. The administrative information and contact resources. strengthen the bond with Flanders. hurdles involved in an international Various initiatives, such as the VIW is a recognised resource move are often complicated. Whether VIW information day, simplify regarding the needs and aspirations you are an expat, emigrant, recent the emigration process. The VIW of Flemish expatriates. One of graduate or retiree, you can quickly employees advise and refer people VIM’s current initiatives is working and easily find the information you to the appropriate official bodies to ensure that there are sufficient need to move abroad. when necessary. Thanks to a well- facilities for teaching Dutch language organised online emigration guide, and Flemish culture, and for the interested users can quickly find the expansion of voting rights. information they need.

Global Network Where? The Foundation regularly communicates with tens of The Foundation is not only thousands of expats via the website, active in Brussels, but worldwide. the electronic newsletter and the The widespread network of VIW VIW magazine. representatives means that you can connect with Flemish people in forty-six different countries.

www.viw.be LinkedIn: Vlamingen in de Wereld Legal 3. Framework

Legal Context and Background

Juxtaposition, not Hierarchy

Flanders enjoys considerable the federated states since 1993, the This authority extends to the powers at the international level. impact of this principle cannot be Government of Flanders. Every The Belgian Constitution provides overstated. minister is responsible for domestic, for a juxtaposition, rather than European and for international a hierarchy, between the federal Flanders acts internationally in initiatives falling within their government and the subfederal all areas for which it has internal ministerial remit. The same applies governments. The Constitutional jurisdiction such as economy, to departments and agencies. The Amendment of 1993 includes the employment, the environment, Department of Foreign Affairs, for principle of “in foro interno, in agriculture, mobility, public works, example, monitors international foro externo” (art. 167 Belgian education, culture and health policy. policy coherence and is responsible Constitution). In this context, it Flanders has the constitutional right for the coordination between means that all governments have to conclude internationally-binding the various policy areas. It is control over domestic issues, treaties in these areas, and can also the first point of contact for and over foreign issues as well. appoint diplomatic representatives foreign embassies and diplomatic Considering the substantial shifts abroad. representations. in power that have been ceded to

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Treaty Law in Practice

Flanders concludes treaties with ‘Mixed treaties’ relate to matters for third countries or with international which the federal government and institutions. An overview of the the federated states are both partly hundreds of treaties with Flanders competent. The 1994 Cooperation (with a convenient search filter per Agreement between the federal country and theme) is available on government, the communities and the website of the Department of the regions sets out detailed rules Foreign Affairs: https://www.fdfa.be/ for the conclusion of mixed treaties. en/treaties-and-mous The Inter-Ministerial Conference on Foreign Affairs (ICBB) is a forum A few examples: for consultation on foreign policy • Treaty of the Council of Europe between the federal level and concerning the protection of the federated states. This body children against sexual exploitation determines the mixed nature of the and sexual abuse; convention, based on advice from • the Scheldt treaties; the Working Group on Mixed Treaties. • Agreement between the Flemish Community and the Netherlands The conclusion of treaties involves regarding the accreditation the following steps: negotiation, of tertiary educational degree signing, questioning of the advisory programmes; councils concerned and Council • Amendment to the Basel of State, parliamentary approval Convention on the Control of and ratification and promulgation. Transboundary Movements of Approval by the Government of Hazardous Wastes and Their Flanders is required at every step of Disposal; this process. Treaties are adopted • Treaties on cultural cooperation into Flemish law by means of a with third countries; decree of endorsement in the Flemish • Double taxation treaties. Parliament. EU treaties, such as the EU-Canada [CETA] Free Trade Concluding treaties on matters where Agreement, are also discussed and federated states have exclusive approved in the Flemish Parliament. competence (‘exclusive treaties’) requires formal disclosure to the As a party to a number of human federal government. This is done by rights treaties, Flanders regularly means of a letter from the Flemish reports on compliance with these minister for Foreign Policy to the treaties in our domestic policy. federal minister of Foreign Affairs. Intrafederal Cooperation Agreements Flanders also has full powers at EU However, this EU Cooperation level. The Maastricht Treaty, which Agreement has now become came into force in 1992, empowered outdated. It urgently requires Flemish ministers to participate modifications that reflect the in the EU Council of Ministers on significant institutional changes in issues such as the environment, Belgium and in Europe spanning the MORE INFORMATION education, culture or fisheries. In last 25 years, particularly since the on the policy framework of a Cooperation Agreement of 1994 Treaty of Lisbon (2009) and the sixth the Department of Foreign Affairs the federal state, the communities Belgian state reform of 2011. (regulations, cooperation agreements, and the regions confirmed the strategy notes, the coalition process and authorisations for In addition to the EU Cooperation agreement and policy notes) representation at the EU level. The Agreement, there are similar is available at: Agreement details six categories intrafederal cooperation agreements https://www.fdfa.be/en/policy- for representation at the EU regulating accords between the framework Council of Ministers: from exclusive federal government and the federal representation (e.g. council federated states. These pertain to configuration for justice and home diplomatic representatives of the affairs) to exclusive representation by federated states, representation in the federated states (e.g. education international organisations, how or culture councils), with a number proceedings are conducted, and of gradations in between. attracting foreign investment.