Flanders Chancellery and Foreign Office

Minister-President Matthias Diependaele met with Bavaria’s State Minister for European and International Affairs Eric Bei?wenger on 21 November. ??The Flemish Coalition Agreement stipulates that Flanders will further strengthen and deepen cooperation with Germany and several of its states, including Bavaria. ??Cooperation in semiconductors and hydrogen was one of the topics of discussion. It also became clear that the two regions can learn from each other when it comes to startup mentoring. ?? In addition, Flanders and Bavaria want to remain strongly committed to and weigh in on the EU agenda, especially on industry policy. Both regions agree that there is a great need for investment in European competitiveness and see the EU as the guardian of a level playing field. We must also evolve from a green deal to an industry deal while respecting the climate targets that are best diversified according to the regional (economic) context. #flanders #international

? While Europe may have become one, all EU member states have their own unique laws and rules. This creates obstacles, especially in border regions. In terms of cross-border healthcare, many efforts have already been made in recent years, but the work is not finished. Flanders continues to work on improvements and continued attention, together with all other partners. ?? On 19 November 2024, the Coordination Point Border Obstacles Flanders-Netherlands (Schakelpunt Grensbelemmeringen Vlaanderen-Nederland) - in cooperation with Dutch, federal and Flemish health services and with support from the European Commission - organised a symposium on cross-border patients’ rights and rare diseases within the EU. Topics covered included:? ? The current EU legal framework and cross-border patient mobility. ? Reimbursement of healthcare costs in case of cross-border patient mobility. ? European Reference Networks (ERNs). ? Case studies on the cooperation in the field of health care in the Flemish-Dutch border region.? ? The Coordination Point Border Obstacles is a partnership of five different Flemish and Dutch authorities and knowledge institutions. It focuses on addressing border obstacles in the border region, seeks solutions to problems and advises the public administration in the border region. This should lead to finding supported solutions among the competent authorities in Flanders and the Netherlands. ?? The Flanders Chancellery and Foreign Office represents the Flemish authorities (Vlaamse overheid) in the Coordination Point. #Vlaanderen #cooperation #crossborder #healthcare #EU #interreg

?? The Circular Valley Forum 2024 took place in Stadt Wuppertal, North Rhine-Westphalia. Flanders enjoys good cooperation with this German state, which is the most important state in terms of economy and industry. The circular economy is a major component of this partnership. During the Circular Valley Forum, Minister-President of Flanders Matthias Diependaele met with high-level German politicians (including Federal Minister for the Environment Steffi Lemke and North Rhine-Westphalia Minister of State for European Affairs Nathanael Liminski), and circular economy actors from the business world. ?? As clearly highlighted in the new Coalition Agreement, the Vlaamse Regering / Government of Flanders wants to position Flanders as a frontrunner in the circular economy. It aims to do so by investing in circular innovation, decoupling the material footprint from economic growth and reducing it by 30% (compared to 2010) by 2030.? ?? Just last year, Flanders and North Rhine-Westphalia signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on cooperation in the circular economy. By joining forces and sharing knowledge, both regions seek to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy and set an example in Europe. With the Public Waste Agency of Flanders OVAM and Circular Flanders, our region boasts great expertise and a thriving ecosystem in the areas of waste treatment and circular economy. Vlaamse overheid Staatskanzlei des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen Vertretung von Flandern in Deutschland Flanders Investment & Trade - Germany #Flanders #circulareconomy #collaboration #innovation #Europe

?? The Vlaamse Regering / Government of Flanders has published its position statement on the report “The Future of European Competitiveness”. The “Draghi Report” published on 9 September was prepared at the request of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In the report, Italian former Prime Minister Mario Draghi provides a detailed analysis of the challenges facing European industry and also offers more than 170 policy proposals to meet them ??. ?? The Government of Flanders welcomes the 400-page report on the future of European competitiveness. It endorses the message of urgency about the current state of European industry and asks the new European Commission, among other things, to work on five areas for action that are important for Flanders as a matter of priority: 1?? Closing the innovation gap with the United States and China. 2?? Creating a joint European plan for decarbonisation and competitiveness. 3?? Developing a realistic vision on an open strategic autonomy. 4?? Pursuing a well-functioning single market with a view to fair competition. 5?? Committing to better regulation with greater respect for the subsidiarity principle. ?? More information???? https://lnkd.in/eRbsJniG #Flanders #EU #Europe #industry #competitiveness

? On the last day of the Diplomatic ‘Return Days’ 2024, Brussels hosted the first official meeting between the members of the new Vlaamse Regering / Government of Flanders and Flemish diplomats, Economic Representatives of Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) and Representatives of Toerisme Vlaanderen - VISITFLANDERS active abroad. ? ? This meeting marked an important step towards an even stronger position of Flanders abroad. Minister-president Matthias Diependaele stressed the importance of strategic cooperation and a strong Flemish presence on the world stage: "Diplomacy, trade relations and international cooperation are crucial for Flemish wealth creation. The Government of Flanders wants to respond to this with an ambitious, impactful and values-driven international Flemish policy". ? The day also provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate the new laureates of the Diplomatic Academy of the Department of Chancellery and Foreign Affairs. They were intensively trained and prepared for their role in Flanders' diplomatic service over the past months. The Minister-president presented the ‘Uilenspiegelichting’ laureates with a certificate for their successful participation. Congratulations, Jeroen Deckmyn, Daan Geysen, Giel Snauwaert and Tijs Verstraete! Vlaamse overheid - Flanders Chancellery and Foreign Office - Delegation of Flanders in France - Flanders in Italy - Flanders in Southern Africa - Delegation of Flanders in the UK - Flanders in Poland and the Baltic States - Vertretung von Flandern in Deutschland - Flanders in the Nordic Countries - Diplomatic Representation of Flanders to the EU - Flanders in Geneva - Delegation of Flanders to the USA #Flanders #connection #international #diplomacy #terugkeerdagen Photos: Wouter Maeckelberghe

?? Day 4 of the 'Diplomatic Return Days' 2024! The (deputy) Diplomatic Representatives of Flanders, the policy officers of our foreign offices, Flemish Economic Representatives of Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) and representatives of Toerisme Vlaanderen - VISITFLANDERS were welcomed at the Vlaams Parlement. There, they entered into dialogue with MPs from the Foreign Policy and Tourism committees. ?? All interlocutors are working to further strengthen Flanders' position abroad, each from their own angle. After all, politics, diplomacy, economy, trade and tourism all play an important role in the same story. Not without reason does the coalition agreement of the new Vlaamse Regering / Government of Flanders emphasise the importance of close cooperation between the Department of Chancellery and Foreign Affairs, Flanders Investment & Trade and Tourism Flanders. As ‘Team Flanders’, they can help shape an effective and decisive Flemish foreign policy like no other ??.?? Piet Demunter Peter De Wilde Julie Bynens #Flanders #investment #trade #tourism #visitflanders?

?? The innovative health technologies of the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp and the new mobility technologies of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges are important not only for Flanders, but also for the rest of the world. Yesterday, the (deputy) Diplomatic Representatives of Flanders and policy officers from our foreign offices visited Antwerp. They came over to their own country this week from Flanders' 13 representations around the world. ?? Through research, teaching, medical services and international partnerships, the Institute of Tropical Medicine has been working for the health of millions of people around the world since 1906. After fascinating presentations by rector Herwig Leirs of the University of Antwerp and professor Pierre Van Damme, Flanders Chancellery and Foreign Office secretary general Julie Bynens stressed the importance of cooperation between Flemish and internationally recognised centres of expertise. ? The ports of Antwerp are not only one of the main drivers of the Flemish economy, they also play a major role in securing our prosperity. How can their international strength and competitiveness be increased? This topic was discussed with representatives of the ports in the iconic Port House. Vlaamse overheid Vlaamse Regering / Government of Flanders Departement Mobiliteit en Openbare Werken #Flanders #international #diplomacy #health #mobility

? In #cooperation with Stad Antwerpen, the Flanders Chancellery and Foreign Office organised an event to connect the Antwerp cultural sector with our diplomatic network. The diplomats came over to Belgium this week from Flanders' 13 representations around the world ??. ? The renovated Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen (KMSKA) with its magnificent exhibition ‘Ensors stoutste dromen’ was the setting for an inspirational networking event. The use of diplomacy to allow Flemish culture to play a lasting, visible and enhanced role on the world stage ran like a thread through the evening. ? Cultural diplomacy is a strong tool for our Flemish diplomats to open international doors and engage in #dialogue with other countries. Therefore, the guests engaged in a dialogue on the importance of international #cooperation, Flemish visibility and smart cultural #partnerships. Vlaamse Regering / Government of Flanders Vlaamse overheid Department of Culture, Youth and Media #Flanders #international #culture #diplomacy #Terugkeerdagen

? Starting today, the Diplomatic Representatives of Flanders are back in their own country for a week. They have come over from Flanders' 13 representations around the world??. The aim: to continuously strengthen the Flemish international network. This is important in a world where economic competition, security and technological innovation are constantly coming together in new ways.? ? During these ‘return days’, our diplomats not only have the opportunity to meet each other in person, but also colleagues within the Flemish government and other partners. A unique opportunity to think about Flanders' role on the international stage and to look ahead together. ? By exploring opportunities together, Flanders can tap into new markets, enter into new collaborations and find new ways to send our expertise and creativity into the world. After a warm welcome by secretary-general Julie Bynens, consultations with colleagues from head office are scheduled on this first day. Then the Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen (KMSKA) will be the setting for a meeting with representatives of the cultural sector. Flanders Chancellery and Foreign Office - Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) - Toerisme Vlaanderen - VISITFLANDERS - Vlaamse overheid - Vlaamse Regering / Government of Flanders - Vlaams Parlement - Delegation of Flanders in France - Flanders in Italy - Flanders in Southern Africa - Delegation of Flanders in the UK - Flanders in Poland and the Baltic States - Vertretung von Flandern in Deutschland - Flanders in the Nordic Countries - Diplomatic Representation of Flanders to the EU - Flanders in Geneva - Delegation of Flanders to the USA - Port of Antwerp-Bruges - Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp #Flanders?#international?#Diplomacy?#Terugkeerdagen?#DKBUZA

?? Flanders is a very open and internationally oriented economy. In addition, the Vlaamse Regering / Government of Flanders and Vlaams Parlement bear major responsibilities in our country's foreign policy. Therefore, Professor David Criekemans (University of Antwerp) and Karel Lannoo (CEPS (Centre for European Policy Studies), Brussels) gave a briefing to (new) Flemish MPs on 22 October. They spoke about the major impact of the European and international context on the Flemish political agenda, at the invitation of the Diplomatic Academy of the Flanders Chancellery and Foreign Office.