Each policy area of the Government of Flanders is responsible for monitoring their policy area at EU level. Dossiers or themes that touch on the competence of more than two policy areas, however, are discussed in the framework of the Strategic Dialogue International Affairs (SOIA) chaired by the Flanders Chancellery & Foreign Office. Flemish common positions are defined through consultation. These can be dossiers that are fairly limited in time, but also on issues that are constantly discussed.
Flanders has its own Delegation within the Permanent Representation of Belgium to the European Union (DV EU). The Delegation of Flanders to the European Union consists of a number of attachés from different Flemish policy areas and is led by a General Representative of Flanders.
The attachés participate in the working groups of the Council, report on the latest European developments and assist Flemish ministers in the Council. In the various working groups that prepare the Councils of Ministers, Flemish attachés also act as spokesperson for Belgium. They maintain contacts with European institutions and representations of other countries and regions, focusing on optimal Flemish interests. The DV EU is in daily contact with the Flemish ministers, their cabinets and the Flemish administration. It also collaborates with the Liaison Agency Flanders-Europe (vleva), which focuses mainly on the involvement of the Flemish civil society and local authorities in European affairs.
Delegation of Flanders to the European Union