HOST NATION POLICY (HNP)

The Belgian (Federal) host nation policy is the national strategy defined and implemented towards international governmental organisations which have headquarters or a representation in Belgium, in order to have them feel welcome and valued.

The host nation policy is part of the Belgian foreign policy and it is thus coordinated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs under the responsibility of the Prime Minister, and implemented by the Inter-ministerial Committee for host nation policy.

• Belgium’s compliance with international treaties in its dealings with international organisations on its territory, i.e. the granting of privileges and immunities.
• the hosting “as such” which includes all actions which, besides and above the granting and implementation of privileges and immunities, contribute to make Belgium more attractive for international organisations to establish their headquarters.

• ensure the mutual exchange of information among Belgian authorities on all aspects of the HNP to ensure coherence in implementation of this policy;
• coordinate positions of all levels of governance in Belgium, i.e. the federal authorities, the language-based communities and the geography-based regions, and the local authorities (“communes”);
• timely detect and point out new problems which could arise between Belgium as host country and the international organisations and formulate solutions;
• develop new initiatives in the framework of the host nation policy and present them to the political authorities;
• take action as helpdesk in case security problems are encountered by international organisations and their staff.

• is in charge of all aspects of hospitality towards the international organisations in Belgium, including the practical implementation of the host nation policy;is in charge of all aspects of hospitality towards the international organisations in Belgium, including the practical implementation of the host nation policy;
• coordinates the implementation of the host nation policy with all Ministries and public services on the request of the Prime Minister or the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He has authority to request these Ministries and public services to study particular issues and to provide advice;
• acts, after the necessary coordination and the agreement of the concerned authorities, as representative of all authorities in Belgium for host nation policy matters of “mixed” nature, i.e. concerning different political levels;
• acts as representative of Belgium in contacts and negotiations with international organisations in all host nation policy-related matters ;
• negotiates the seat agreements on behalf of Belgium ;
• reports directly to the Prime Minister, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and, if necessary, to other Ministers with host nation policy competences.