The DG in the European Union

Flagge der Europäischen Union

Representation in the European Union’s Committee of Regions

The DG is represented in the Committee of Regions by its Prime Minister, currently Karl-Heinz Lambertz.

The Committee of Regions is the political body that represents the interests of local and regional authorities within the EU. However, it only holds consultative status at the EU. The committee may offer such consultative assistance on its own initiative, or it may be called upon or, in certain cases, even required as an official position on issues especially affecting its member bodies. These would include such issues as the development of regional structures, inter-regional transport, education, environment etc.P>

Representation in the EU Parliament

The German language area is a distinct EU electoral constituency, sending one of Belgium’s 22 representatives to the EU Parliament. The EU Parliament represents all EU citizens and is directly voted by them. Together with the European Council, it exercises legislative powers and publishes the budget. In addition it exercises a democratic control function for all EU bodies, in particular the European Commission.

Mathieu Grosch (CSP) Link interncurrently represents the DG in the European Parliament.

Representation in the European Council of Ministers

The Ministers of the Member States meet within the European Council of Ministers. The European Council of Ministers is the most important decision-making body in the EU. The main guidelines of European policy are drawn up and decisions reached there, in cooperation with the EU Parliament. Depending on the issues on the agenda, each country is represented, the various competences being carried by its ministers.

The Belgian federal government does not send a representative to the Council of Ministers where communitary matters are concerned, these being covered by the appropriate community Ministers who consult until they reach an opinion representing all three communities. This is then presented in the European Council of Ministers by any one of them, who is also then charged to vote on behalf of Belgium. Which Minister represents the nation at any one time, is decided by the federal state government in consultation with the communities and regions.