Flanders Chancellery and Foreign Office

The Flemish and, by extension, the European industry is under pressure, and European cooperation is needed to tackle this challenge. Today, 400 business leaders, industry representatives, and workers from across Europe gathered in Antwerp to discuss the newly published #CleanIndustrialDeal (CID) with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This Clean Industrial Deal is a crucial element in the European Commission’s focus on competitiveness, as emphasized in the Draghi Report and the priorities of the Von der Leyen II Commission. At the Flemish level, competitiveness is also a key priority, as reflected in the Flemish coalition agreement, the Flemish position paper on the Draghi Report, and the recently published Flemish Productivity and Competitiveness Agenda. Minister-President Diependaele attended the event and highlighted in his speech the constructive role that Flanders aims to play in realizing the ambitions of the CID. The overarching message today was clear: #DeliverTheDeal. To restore Europe’s prosperity, we need urgent action to:? ? Restore the business case for investments in Europe? ? Implement the EU Green Deal?? ? Safeguard high-quality jobs? New EU policies must be assessed against a simple test:? ?? Do they attract investment to Europe?? ?? Do they keep Europe safe & autonomous?? ?? Do they lower energy costs?? ?? Do they create markets for sustainable products?? ?? Do they secure quality jobs? ?? European industries are ready to contribute and call on EU leaders to take action. Departement WEWIS – economie, wetenschap en innovatie #Flanders #EU

During his New Year's address to the diplomatic corps, Minister-President Matthias Diependaele emphasised innovation, strategic partnerships and sustainable growth as key priorities for the coming year, a year brimming with opportunities and collaboration. This aftermovie captures the atmosphere and core message: Flanders is ready for the future. #International cooperation remains the key to success, and thanks to the efforts of our #diplomatic partners, #Flanders continues to grow on the global stage. Relive the highlights and get inspired by Flanders' ambition.

On Thursday 6 February, representatives of Flanders and North Rhine-Westphalia met in Brussels for the official kick-off of preparations for the fourth Joint Governmental VL-NRW Summit. ?? That summit will take place in Antwerp on 27 June 2025. Officials from both regions engaged in dialogue on topics such as:? - economy? - industry - energy - research - education - culture - integration. ?? During bilateral talks, initial ideas were exchanged and priorities were checked off with the aim of further shaping the agenda for the summit. ?? This strong cooperation builds on the long-standing partnership between Flanders and North Rhine-Westphalia and provides an important basis for joint projects and policy alignment in the future. Staatskanzlei des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen Vertretung von Flandern in Deutschland #Flanders #NorthRhineWestphalia #Cooperation #GovernmentSummit

On 28 January, the #Flanders Chancellery and Foreign Office (DKBUZA) presented the #Africa Study at the Antwerp Port House. Watch the video and learn from speakers Huib Huyse (HIVA - KULeuven), Julie Bynens (DKBUZA) and Piet Demunter (FIT) where they see opportunities for a future-proof Africa strategy. HIVA-KU Leuven Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) Port of Antwerp-Bruges #international #partnerships #PortOfTheFuture

?? Did you know that as many as 262 people participated in one or more activities of our Diplomatic Academy in 2024? Or that the second batch of Flemish diplomats calls itself the Tijl Uylenspiegel batch? Find out more facts about the Diplomatic Academy in the annual report 2024 which is now available: https://lnkd.in/e_XEr_Zd #Flanders #Diplomacy

?? Flanders looks ahead!? “Flanders is ready for the future. The challenges are great, but our ambition is greater.” This is how Minister-President Matthias Diependaele concluded his New Year’s address to the diplomatic corps. He stressed the importance of innovation, strategic partnerships and sustainable growth. ???? ?? Innovation as a strength? With a highly educated population and large-scale investment in research and development, Flanders is an economic innovation engine within Europe. We also have a lot to offer globally. Just think of hydrogen, biotechnology, the circular economy and renewable energy.? ?? Strong together in Europe? We work closely with our neighbours and friendly regions such as Catalonia, North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria. We also want to connect more with the countries of northern and eastern Europe, such as Poland and Ukraine.?? ?? New global opportunities? Flanders is looking beyond Europe, like we did at the World Economic Forum in Davos only last week. Growth countries in Asia and Africa are also high on our radar. In March, it is time for an economic mission to India.? A special thanks to the diplomatic partners: thanks to their work, Flanders continues to grow on the world stage. ????? Read the full speech: https://lnkd.in/eVpJ5dt3. #FlandersInternational #Diplomacy #Innovation #Cooperation??

Recap of the successful presentation of the Africa Study at the Port House Antwerp on January 28. ?? Julie Bynens, Secretary General of the Flanders Chancellery and Foreign Office, underlined the report’s value as an instrument for policy preparation: “This report paints a clear picture of how Flemish and African expertise and priorities can reinforce each other. With these findings, we can contribute to an integrated approach beyond traditional development cooperation and increase our impact as the region of Flanders in a rapidly changing world.” ?? Some key insights from the report:? ?? Green transition: Flanders can contribute to Africa’s sustainable infrastructure through its logistics and renewable energy expertise.?? ?? Food processing: innovation in agriculture and food technology strengthens African production chains and food security.?? ?? Healthcare: collaboration on public health and innovative medical solutions.?? ?? Trade and investment: Flemish companies can capitalise on fast-growing markets, supported by networking and sectoral interaction.? All those present affirmed the importance of continued, long-term cooperation between Africa and Flanders. Trust, reciprocity and shared responsibility are important values that support cooperation.? ? #Flanders #international #partnership #Africa?#PortOfTheFuture

?? Flanders strengthens collaboration with Africa: a new study as starting point for integrated Africa strategy Africa is emerging as a key player in the global economy, with fast-growing markets, a young population, and increasing strategic autonomy. By investing in sustainable partnerships now, Flanders can not only enhance its position as an innovative and export-driven region but also contribute to global stability and sustainable development. ?? In collaboration with Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), Port of Antwerp-Bruges (POAB), and other stakeholders, Flanders Chancellery and Foreign Office aims to lay the foundation for a Flemish Africa strategy that extends beyond a traditional focus on development cooperation. To ensure this collaboration is future-proof, Flanders commissioned a policy-preparatory study by HIVA-KU Leuven and the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM ??). This Africa study provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable partnerships and shared prosperity. The report outlines how Flanders can deepen its relationship with Africa, emphasizing mutual impact and inclusive partnerships. The study's findings are being presented today at the Havenhuis in Antwerp. The event, organized by Flanders Chancellery and Foreign Office, POAB, and FIT, aims to stimulate a broad dialogue with Flemish and international stakeholders. This collaboration highlights how Flanders brings together various areas of expertise to develop an integrated strategy. ?? Want to learn more about the report and its recommendations? https://lnkd.in/eT_CNxi9 (English summary can be found at the bottom of the page). #Flanders #international #partnerships #Africa #PortOfTheFuture

?? Flanders at the World Economic Forum in Davos ?? This week, Flanders is represented at the World Economic Forum in Davos, a unique opportunity to put our region on the international map. With a focus on innovation, sustainability and cooperation, Flanders brings its expertise and vision of the future to a platform where world leaders, business leaders and innovators come together. ? The presence in Davos emphasizes the importance of international cooperation to tackle global challenges. It is also an excellent moment to put Flemish companies and innovations in the spotlight and to forge strategic partnerships. The 'Flanders Room' is the perfect place for this. Together we are building a strong and sustainable future for Flanders and the world. ???? ?? For more information, watch today's VRT News. The passage runs from 6'04'' to 7'23'': https://lnkd.in/eEz7iWSN Matthias Diependaele Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) Piet Demunter Andreas Witdouck #Flanders #international #WEF2025 #Davos

?? The Government of Flanders is putting its weight behind the ‘Morocco Circular’ project, an initiative developed jointly by Flanders and Morocco, by investing five million euros over four years. This project combines Flemish expertise and Moroccan needs to promote sustainable employment and entrepreneurship in the Moroccan regions of l'Oriental and Béni Mellal-Khénifra. The transition to a circular economy is at the heart of this first concrete project of the Flanders-Morocco Country Strategy Paper (2024-2028). The project, which started this month, is supported by the Public Waste Agency of Flanders (OVAM) and the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), which are using their expertise to reinforce this partnership. Enabel, with a wide network of local staff in Morocco, oversees effective implementation on the ground and ensures coordination with Moroccan authorities and actors.? ?? This collaboration strengthens both Morocco and Flanders by building strategic partnerships around green economy and circular innovation. It allows Flanders to showcase its role as a major European player in the fields of sustainable economy and international cooperation. #Flanders #international An Huybrechts Picture: ?Enabel