In his speech in the Flemish Parliament for the Representatives of the German Bundesländer in Brussels, Minister-president Bourgeois emphasized the importance of good cross-border connections with Germany, like the Iron Rhine. This connecting infrastructure is crucial for the further development of the ports of Antwerp, Rotterdam and Duisburg and for the economy of Flanders, the Netherlands and Germany.
On 23 June, the Flemish Parliament, the Government of Flanders and the Flemish-European Liaison Agency (VLEVA) invited the Representatives of the German Länder in Brussels for a formal introduction. Germany - like the Netherlands – has the highest priority in Flemish foreign policy, with a clear focus on North Rhine-Westphalia.
With North Rhine Westphalia, the closest of the Länder and economically very important to Flanders, a very strong bilateral cooperation has existed for several years. The Government of Flanders wishes to expand this cooperation to other German federal states. Currently the possibilities to strengthen the cooperation with Bavaria and Saxony are being explored. Moreover this week, a delegation of the regional parliament of Bavaria made an official visit to Flanders.
For many years now, Germany has been the main trading partner of Flanders. Therefore, the Government of Flanders has developed a strong network in Germany, with a political General Representation in Berlin, and Flemish economic representatives in Berlin, Stuttgart and Cologne.
General Representation of the Government of Flanders in Germany