Historically a safe ... lives, vit, leeft ... haven, with its hybrid roots and the art of compromise, the Brussels-Capital Region is a true European laboratory. Through its cultural wealth and its political complexity, Brussels illustrates the ever- changing and dynamic character of not only Belgium but the European Union better than any other city. BRUSSELS­CAPITAL REGION Brussels, the life-force of Europe Brussels and Europe are so closely intertwined that it would now be impossible to separate one from the other. The European and international imprint on the city is so profound that we can now talk of Brussels as a city that LIVES Europe in all its many facets, and rightly so. With the surprising combination of the "serious " business of European affairs, hospitality and the Belgian sense of humour, Brussels is bursting with variety and contrasts. From a whole range of nationalities in all kinds of professions, from African cuisine in the heart of Matonge, right through to Finnish theatre, Brussels has always known how to attract migrants and artists from far- off lands. Although English is very widely spoken, especially in the European quarter, dozens of other languages can be heard in the streets of Brussels, themselves a giant multilingual echo chamber. The echo resounds as far as the Couleur Café festival, where it is amplified in this melting pot for world cultures which has drawn tens of thousands of spectators since 1990. Historically a safe haven, with its hybrid roots and the art of compromise with its rejection of radical formulas, the Brussels- Capital Region is the European laboratory that is so often discussed, and indeed has been for some time. Through its cultural richness and its multi- coloured aspects, but also its political complexity, Brussels illustrates better than any other city the ever- changing and dynamic character of not just the country but the European Union as a whole. 2 The Brussels-Capital Region and its political dynamic Be it within Belgium or on a European yet, Brussels is greater than the sum of its level, unity in diversity is a necessarily parts. As an autonomous political entity, complicated process. After several re- Brussels is empowered by significant forms over the last 30 years, Belgium has competences whose socio-economic been transformed into a federal State, impact extends well beyond its regional made up of three communities, (the boundaries. These competences include Flemish-, French- and German-speaking in particular: Communities) and three regions (the Flemish Region, the Walloon Region Economy and employment and the Brussels-Capital Region). The Housing competences accorded to these com- Land planning and urban planning One of the most famous exiles to find munities reflect the people who make Protection of monuments and sites refuge in Brussels is, without a doubt, up the communities and the ties that The environment, water Victor Hugo. Under the Second bind them, such as language, culture and energy policy Empire he was opposed to Napoleon and education, as well as healthcare and Public works and transport III and lived in exile in Brussels before welfare policy. Regional competences Scientific research settling down in Jersey. One of the are rooted in the notion of territory and places where he stayed during his reflect the political will, which aspires The Brussels-Capital Region is the admi- exile was the house known as Le to greater economic autonomy for the nistering authority for its 19 communes. Pigeon, at number 26 on the Grand- entities united under the federation. As such, the Region offers financial Place. Author of a monumental support to the most vulnerable regions, oeuvre, Hugo is considered one of the Since 1989, Brussels has been an entirely either through direct financial aid or via most important Romantic authors separate region, in exactly the same way structural endowments. writing in the French language. as the Flemish and Walloon Regions. It is made up of 19 bilingual communes and A bilingual region with legislative powers at the heart of the Belgian federal state. A population of over one million in 19 communes spanning a territory of 162 km². The organs of legislative and executive power: the Parliament (89 members directly elected for five years) and the Government (appointed by the members of Parliament). It is composed of a Minister- President and four Ministers, assisted by three Secretaries of State. 3 The world and Europe � in Brussels The regional competences extend from In concrete terms, the Region the very heart of the Belgian federal monitors the progress of international state to the international arena. In 1993, organisations (European Union, United a revision to the constitution awarded Nations, OECD etc.), while its ministers sit broader international competences to the on the Councils of the European Union. regions and communities. The Brussels- The Region also concludes international Capital Region has therefore had the treaties autonomously and defends its autonomy to manage matters relating to economic, political and social interests international collaboration in areas that internationally. fall under its internal political authority The three pillars of since that time. In order to fulfil these international the Brussels-CapitalBRUSSELS­CAPITAL REGION ambitions, Brussels has a global network As regards trade relations, the Region has of regions and cities with which it Region's external access to a network of economic and maintains partnerships on the basis of relations commercial advisors whose mission is bilateral agreements. These agreements to promote Brussels-based companies facilitate cooperation through shared Brussels in the world abroad. projects and best practice, and form The External Relations the keystone of the Region's external Bruxelles Export combines the relations. Department Brussels-Capital Region Foreign Brussels in Europe Trade Department and BECI (Brussels In terms of multilateral cooperation, Enterprises Commerce and Industry). Brussels promotes its unique The Region's delegation Since 2007, BECI has brought together characteristics as an urban region. within Belgium's permanent the Chamber of Commerce and Industry The region has an active role within representation in the and the Brussels Business Federation. associations such as Eurocities, Metropolis European Union Their aim: to promote foreign trade, and the Assembly of European Regions, ensure the Region's economic and which lobby in favour of a better policy The world in Brussels commercial visibility and offer Brussels- for major cities or regions, represent The Brussels-Europe Liaison based export businesses a full range of platforms to develop innovative solutions Office services. to common problems or initiate cooperation programmes. Where investment in Brussels by foreign companies is concerned, the Brussels Enterprise Agency (BEA) is the public's key point of contact, allowing potential investors to find in one place all the information they need to consolidate a project. The aim of international political relations themselves actually consists of helping the Region to exercise its missions as a city-region through the development of its own network of bilateral and multilateral relationships. 4 The External Relations Department is the Region' s focal point for all its international contacts. Its strategic objectives include: Ensuring that the Region' s legal obligations on a European and on an international level are met (transposing European directives into regional law, ratification procedures for "mixed " treaties, etc.); Defending and coordinating the Region' s European and international interests; Providing for the promotion and a positive image of the Region at local, national and international levels; Contributing to the consolidation of the Region' s urban and regional role and participating in its sustainable development; Applying regulations in the area of import/export and transit of weapons, associated materials and dual- use goods. In practice, the department formulates proposals for the conducting a consistent foreign policy and represents the Region at various international forums. The department also coordinates participation in major international events with a view to better promotion. The Delegation to the European Union acts as the interface between the European institutions and the Region. Its role includes: Anticipating the decisions to be made and monitoring the work of the European institutions in close collaboration with Belgium' s permanent representation; Analysing draft regulations and Community programmes; Ensuring that information is monitored, offering opinions and assistance with regard to European dossiers to the Government, to the Regional Ministry, to para- regional organisations, to the 19 communes, to businesses and to the Region' s residents; Preparing the dossiers that will influence the regional competences for the Council of the European Union; Defending the interests of Brussels in the European institutions; Fostering relationships with other regional offices with a presence in Brussels. The Brussels-Europe Liaison Office is called upon to: Promote Brussels as the host capital of Europe by offering administrative assistance to people settling in the Region; Raise awareness among inhabitants of their city' s international vocation by facilitating exchanges between Europeans and the people of Brussels. 5 From underpinning Europe to international influence "Brussels criticises