Senior representatives of European institutions met on Tuesday at the regional parliament with members of the Brussels-Capital Region Government.
This was the 10th edition of the meeting, held to discuss key issues related to the international presence in the Belgian capital, according to Alain Hutchinson, Brussels Commisioner for Europe and International Organisations.
Agenda items included the management of the Schuman Roundabout, the European Commission’s real estate policy, mobility and public spaces in the European District.
For the Brussels-Capital Region, being the base for the five largest European Union institutions is an “honour and a significant source of economic and social dynamism,” Hutchinson said in a press release.
The tangible reality of this international presence requires reflection by Brussels’ political decision-makers and administrations, he explained.
The Commissioner for Europe is tasked by the capital region's government with liaising between international-sector stakeholders and regional administrations.
This is typically backstage work, but once a year, a top-level meeting is organised to bring together the highest representatives of the European institutions and members of the regional government.
“I observe genuine commitment from both sides," the Commissioner said. Brussels has developed an increasingly robust regional policy, structured around the sustained relations established by the region and its Commission for Europe.”
“The European institutions, for their part, are involved in the blueprint for harmonious territorial development desired by the region – and they play their role to the benefit of all Brussels citizens,” he commented.
