TFEIP & EIONET MEETINGS 17 21 October 2005, Rovaniemi Finland

15th JOINT EIONET AND UNECE TASK FORCE ON EMISSION INVENTORIES AND PROJECTIONS MEETING AND WORKSHOP

12th-14th May 2014 GHENT, BELGIUM

Welcome to Ghent !

Ghent is a city located in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is the capital and biggest city of the East Flanders province. The city flourished from the 11th century on. Until the 13th century Ghent was the biggest city in Europe after Paris; it was bigger than London, Cologne or Moscow. Today, the belfry and the towers of the Saint Bavo Cathedral and Saint Nicholas' Church are just a few examples of the skyline of the period.

The wool-industry, originally established at Bruges, created the first European industrialized zone in Ghent in the High Middle Ages. The mercantile zone was so highly- developed that wool had to be imported from England. This was one of the reasons for Flanders' good relationship with England. In 1500 Juana of Castile gave birth to Charles V, who became Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain.

The late 16th and the 17th centuries brought devastation because of the Religious wars. The wars ended the role of Ghent as a centre of international importance. In 1812 Ghent was the site of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent which formally ended the War between Britain and the United States of America. In 1913 there was a World exhibition in Ghent.

Today it is a busy city with a port and a university. Much of the city's medieval architecture remains intact and is remarkably well preserved and restored. Its centre is the largest car-free area in Belgium. Interesting highlights are the Saint Bavo Cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece, the belfry, the Gravensteen castle, and the splendid architecture along the old Graslei harbour. Ghent established a nice blend between comfort of living and history – it is not a city-museum.

Every year a ten day long street festival is held called the "Ghent Fests" (Gentse Feesten in Dutch). About 2 million visitors attend the festival every year. The city also hosts some other big cultural events such as I Love Techno, "10 Days Off" musical festival, Flanders International Film Festival Ghent (with the World Soundtrack Awards) and the Internationaal Festival van Vlaanderen Gent. Also, every five years, a huge botanical exhibition (Gentse Floraliën) takes place in Ghent, attracting numerous visitors to the city.

We look forward to welcoming you in Ghent on 12-14 May 2014!

The Organizing Committee.

The Flemish Environment Agency Brussels Environment The Walloon Air & Climate Agency Location of the Conference Centre

The TFEIP Workshop on 14 May 2014 and the Joint EIONET/TFEIP Meeting on 12-13 May 2014 and will be held at the NH Gent Belfort hotel in the heart of Ghent with easy access to all popular area attractions. Brussels airport is 68 km and the train station is 3 km away.

Address: NH Gent Belfort hotel Hoogpoort 63 B – 9000 Gent Belgium

Phone: +32 (0) 9 268 36 13 Fax: +32 (0) 9 233 64 00 E-mail: [email protected] www.nh-hotels.com

There is a hidden treasure tucked away in the heart of Ghent. Within this charming medieval city, standing in the shadow of the Town Hall, the NH Gent Belfort hotel in Ghent waits for you to discover the riches it has to offer.

The 4-star hotel offers 174 comfortable guest rooms with bath/shower, air conditioning, minibar, hairdryer, Pay TV, modem point, ISDN Point, Wi Fi, Internet access, room safe and non-smoking rooms.

Practical: Check in: 3:00 PM Check out: 12:00 Noon Breakfast: 6:30 AM-10:00 AM

Accepted credit cards : American Express, Visa, MasterCard. For other credit cards, please consult the hotel.

Parking: Indoor parking (paid service)

The meeting & workshop take place in the conference rooms on the groundfloor. Transportation Details for Ghent – How to reach Ghent?

TRAVEL BY PLANE TO BRUSSELS AIRPORT OR CHARLEROI AIRPORT Belgium has a number of commercial airports but the principal international airports are Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport (or 'Brussels South'). From Brussels South you will need to first take a bus to Brussels Zuid/Midi Station and then a train to Gent Sint-Pieters railway station.

TRAVEL BY TRAIN TO GENT FROM BRUSSELS AIRPORT

On the lowest level you will find the airport’s own railway station, Brussel-Nationaal-Luchthaven, accessible by lift and escalator from the arrivals hall. There are several connections to Ghent every hour. It will cost around € 8,50 for a standard second class ticket.

Brussels Airport – Gent Sint-Pieters railway station (on Saturday & Sunday)

Train Station Arrival Departure Type Direction Brussels Airport xx.07h IR train Brugge Gent Sint-Pieters xx.32h Total time: 1.25min.

Brussels Airport – Gent Sint-Pieters railway station (on weekdays)

Train Station Arrival Departure Type Direction Brussels Airport xx.09h IR train Gent Sint-Pieters Gent Sint-Pieters xx.41h Total time: 1.32h

Train Station Arrival Departure Type Direction Brussels Airport xx.51h IR train De Panne (B) Gent Sint-Pieters xx.44h Total time: 53 min. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the airport to Ghent, which costs 105 euro.

TRAVEL BY TRAIN TO GENT FROM CHARLEROI AIRPORT

Brussels South/Charleroi airport is 70 minutes from Ghent. There is a bus connection from the airport to the Brussel-Zuid (Bruxelles-Midi) railway station every 30 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the airport to Ghent, which costs 150 euro

TRAVEL BY TRAIN TO GENT FROM BRUSSELS SOUTH STATION

Several high speed trains (Thalys, Eurostar, TGV, ICE) connect Brussels South (Bruxelles Midi) to the neighboring countries. From Brussels South, you can take a direct train to Ghent (station 'Gent Sint-Pieters')

From Brussels South Station –Gent Sint-Pieters railway station (on Saturday & Sunday)

Train Station Arrival Departure Type Direction Brussels Midi/Zuid/South xx.05h IC train Oostende (B) Gent Sint-Pieters xx.35h Total time: 30 min.

Train Station Arrival Departure Type Direction Brussels Midi/Zuid/South xx.26h IC train Knokke(B) Gent Sint-Pieters xx.56h Total time: 30 min.

Train Station Arrival Departure Type Direction Brussels Midi/Zuid/South xx.32h IR train Gent Sint-Pieters (B) Gent Sint-Pieters xx.32h Total time: 60 min.

Train Station Arrival Departure Type Direction Brussels Midi/Zuid/South xx.55h IR train De Panne (B) Gent Sint-Pieters xx.49h Total time: 54 min.

From Brussels South Station – Gent Sint-Pieters railway station (on weekdays)

Train Station Arrival Departure Type Direction Brussels Midi/Zuid/South xx.05h IC train Oostende (B) Gent Sint-Pieters xx.35h Total time: 30 min.

Train Station Arrival Departure Type Direction Brussels Midi/Zuid/South xx.14h IR train De Panne(B) Gent Sint-Pieters xx.44h Total time: 30 min.

Train Station Arrival Departure Type Direction Brussels Midi/Zuid/South xx.26h IC train Knokke(B) Gent Sint-Pieters xx.56h Total time: 30 min.

Train Station Arrival Departure Type Direction Brussels Midi/Zuid/South xx.55h IC train Gent Sint-Pieters (B) Gent Sint-Pieters xx.47h Total time: 52 min.

When you arrive at Gent Sint-Pieters railway station

Taxi: The fastest and easiest way to reach your destination in Ghent. There are taxi's in front of the main entrance of the station. A drive to the city centre will cost approx. 10,00 Euro

Tram: Tram that stop close to the meeting venue (NH Gent Belfort hotel) from the station is tram line 1 (red line, direction Evergem) - stop at “Korenmarkt” - (5 min walking to the meeting venue – see venue map) You can find the tram line on your left side when leaving the train station. There is a tram approximately every seven minutes. Note that tickets for the tram should be purchased in advance, from one of the automatic distributors on the platform next to the stops (1,30 Euro).

TRAVEL BY CAR TO GENT

Via the A14 (E17) or A10 (E40) highways, exit for Gent Centrum then continue on the B401 towards Gent Centrum. Coming into the centre on Zuidparklaan and Vlaanderenplein, turn right towards Sint Annaplein. Go through Sint Annaplein and continue on Keizer Karelstraat which becomes Sint Jacobsnieuwstraat then Vlasmarkt. At the roundabout, turn left into Belfortstraat then turn right in to the third street, Hoogpoort. Parking is available 50 metres further along on your left under the hotel, Onderstraat. GPS : Hoogpoort 63 Hotel reservation Participants are asked to make their own hotel reservations. As Ghent is an important tourist destination all year round and the month of May is especially busy for conferences and seminars, we recommend making your reservations as early as possible and at the latest before 1 April 2014.

Below you can find a list of hotels located near the meeting venue.

NH Gent Belfort Hotel **** (Our meeting venue) Hoogpoort 63, 9000 Ghent

http://www.nh-hotels.com

The NH Gent Belfort is situated in the heart of Ghent very close to all the main attractions this city has to offer.

Single rooms: € 111,50 (breakfast & city tax included) Double rooms: € 121,50 (breakfast & city tax included)

Rooms can be booked by completing the enclosed hotel reservation form “NH Gent Belfort”.

Hotel Ibis Gent Centrum Kathedraal *** Limburgstraat 2, 9000 Gent (200 m walking from the meeting venue)

http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-0961-ibis-gent-centrum-st-baafs- kathedraal/index.shtml

The Ibis Gent Centrum Sint-Baafs Kathedraal hotel is located in the historic and commercial center of Ghent opposite the cathedral. It is within close walking distance of the historic monuments.

Single rooms: € 101,50 (breakfast & city tax included) Double rooms : € 118 ,00 (breakfast & city tax included)

To book your room send an e-mail to : [email protected] with code “TFEIP 2014”.

Hotel Ibis Gent Opera *** Nederkouter 24-26,, 9000 Ghent (600 m walking from the meeting venue)

http://www.accorhotels.com/en/hotel-1455-ibis-gent-centrum- opera/index.shtml

The ibis Gent Centrum Opera hotel is situated in the Ghent shopping center, close to the opera house and a short walk from the exhibition center and convention center.

Rooms can be booked by completing the enclosed hotel reservation form “Ibis Gent Opera Hotel”.

Marriott Ghent Hotel **** Korenlei 10, 9000 Ghent (400 m walking from the meeting venue)

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/gnemc-ghent-marriott-hotel/

This luxury Ghent hotel offers a magnificent view of the famous historic sites of the city and brings modern accommodation to charming location.

Rooms can be booked by completing the enclosed hotel reservation form “Marriott Ghent Hotel”.

NOVOTEL GENT CENTRUM HOTEL *** Goudenleeuwplein 5, 9000 Ghent (100 m walking from the meeting venue)

http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-0840-novotel-gent-centrum/index.shtml

The Gent Novotel is situated in the lively, historic heart of the town. A few paces away: the town centre, the Belfort, the Gravensteen and many museums and shops

Rooms can be booked by completing the enclosed hotel reservation form “Novotel Gent Centrum hotel”.

SANDTON GRAND HOTEL REYLOF **** Hoogstraat 36, 9000 Ghent (600 m walking from the meeting venue)

http://www.sandton.eu/en/gent

The 4- star deluxe Sandton Grand Hotel Reylof, located at a top location and within walking distance from famous monuments, comes highly recommended.

Rooms can be booked by completing the enclosed hotel reservation form “Sandton Grand Reylof hotel”.

For other hotels in the centre of Ghent please follow:

http://www.visitgent.be/en/accommodation Good to know

Language Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Ghent is located in Flanders where the official language is Dutch. A number of non-official, minority languages and dialects are spoken as well. English is widely spoken throughout the country as a second or third language by native Belgians.

Interpretation The working language of the meeting will be English. No simultaneous translation will be provided.

Dinner & excursion On Monday, 12th of May 2014, we invite you for a reception at the City Hall (18:00-19:00) and a welcome dinner (19:00-21:00). On Tuesday, 13th of May 2014, we kindly invite you for a guided walking tour through historic Ghent (18:30- 20:00)

Please indicate your attendance to the reception, dinner and walking tour at the relevant sections of the on-line registration system.

Time The local time in Belgium is Central European Time (GMT = 1 hour)

Currency The currency of Belgium is the Euro.

Weather Belgium has a maritime temperate climate. Check the website of the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (RMI) for the current weather and predictions. http://www.meteo.be/meteo/view/en/65239- Home.html

Voltage Electricity in Belgium is supplied at 220/240v and 50 cycles AC

Smoking Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places.

Emergency number Call 112, the EU-wide emergency number for police, fire department and ambulance.

Dial code for Belgium + 32

Opening hours Shops normally open around 10:00 and close around 18:00. Banks are open on workdays (Monday to Friday) usually between 09:00 and 17:00. Restaurants and cafes have varying opening hours. Lunch is usually served between 12:00 and 14:00. Dinner is served from 18:00 until late in the evening. Taxis in Ghent V-Tax Tel : +32 9 222 22 22 www.v-tax.be

Taxi Gent Tel: +32 9 333 33 33 www.taxigent.be

Gentse Taxi Service Tel: +32 9 345 45 45 www.gt-service.be

Ghent Tourism Ghent Tourist Information Centre Sint-Veerleplein 5 9000 Ghent Tel: +32 9 266 56 60 Email: [email protected] www.visitgent.be

Public transport More detailed information about Gent's public transport system can be found at: http://gent.delijn.be

Belgian Railway NMBS/SNCB is the National Railway Company of Belgium. Information for rail travel in, to and from Belgium: http://www.belgianrail.be

Local contact information

If you need any further advice or information, you can contact the Flemish Environment Agency. Contact information is given below:

Mr. Patrick Dewit Unit International Environmental Policy Flemish Environment Agency Office: Dr. De Moorstraat 24 -26, 9300 Aalst (Belgium) Mail: A. Van De Maelestraat 96, 9320 Erembodegem (Belgium) Tel: +32 53 72 64 31 E-mail: [email protected] www.vmm.be