In its pursuit to strengthen its role as international capital, the Brussels’ Government decided to appoint a Brussels Commissioner for Europe and International Organisations.
Such an initiative to maintain and further develop the direct relations between the regional government and the numerous international institutions is only logical after nearly sixty years of European and international diplomatic presence in Brussels, and a necessity following six successive reforms of the Belgian state.
From now on, the Brussels-Capital Region will therefore, within the framework of its own competences, formally take part in this Host Nation Policy, until now a prerogative of the Federal State.
In order to develop a so-called Host Region Policy, the Brussels’ Government gave me a mandate to take all necessary measures and thus consolidate the status of Brussels as capital of Europe and international decision-making centre worthy of the name.
Our mission is to welcome all international organisations and ensure their deployment in harmony with the development of the Brussels-Capital Region and the needs of its inhabitants, in policies such as urban development, mobility, quality of public spaces, security and the administrative assistance to the new international citizens of our Region.
This mission will be realised by simplifying processes and thus raising efficiency in a set of complex issues to which Brussels is confronted with as a host region. At the same time we will offer one single point of contact for all international organisations and act as a «go-between» with the Brussels’ authorities.
It is only in this spirit of honest and efficient collaboration between Brussels’ authorities and their guests that we will be able to boost the credibility of all public authorities concerned, and fight the scepticism and criticism of many citizens towards the project of European integration and the important role of so many international organisations who have chosen Brussels as their seat.
Alain Hutchinson
Brussels Commissioner for Europe and International Organisations
