Flanders to have a full-fledged Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Flemish Government gave the green light for establishing its own full-fledged Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “This will allow Flanders to better fulfil its European and international role,” explains Minister President Geert Bourgeois (N-VA), who is also responsible for foreign policy.

Currently, every Flemish minister is also responsible for European and international initiatives within the scope of their competences. The same applies to Flemish departments and agencies. A Flemish Ministry of Foreign Affairs must make a more coherent Flemish foreign policy possible and thus benefit the international presence and image Flanders portrays.

Flanders has been competent for foreign policy since 1993. This means, among other things, that Flanders can conclude international treaties, appoint diplomatic representatives and offer support to Flemish foreign investments and trade.