The regions

Article 3 of the Belgian constitution:

“Belgium contains three regions: the Wallonian Region, the Flemish Region and the Brussels Region.”

The regions are responsible for territorial matters. These include:

Land use and planning, among other things:

• Regional planning
• Building and delegation of building land
• Urban renewal
• Protection of monuments, sites and the natural landscape
• Industrial estates
• Green zoning

Housing policy, among other things:

• Construction of social housing
• Eradication of insalubrious accommodation

Landscape management and protection of natural resources:

Ready for transportation

• Nature protection policy
• Forestry policy
• Hunting, sea fishing and fish farming

Environment:

• The fight against pollution of the air, soil and water
• Noise pollution reduction
• Waste disposal policy
• Pollution from dangerous, unhealthy and noisy occupations

Hay harvest nearby Halenfeld

Agriculture and fishing:

• Farm policy
• Agricultural production
• Research and development
• Distribution policy and export of agricultural produce
• Horticulture and fresh-water fishing

Water policy:

• Waste water treatment
• Production and distribution of drinking water

Economy:

• General economic policy
• Support for regional companies

Employment:

• Job procurement and creation

Energy policy:

• Distribution of electricity and gas

Communes, provinces and inter-communal unions

Since January 2002 the regions are responsible for the following matters:

• The charters of communes and provinces
• The composition, organisation and function of provincial and local authorities
• The election of provincial and local councils
• The financing of provinces and communes

Airport Liege-Bierset

Public works and public transport:

• Roads
• Harbours
• Regional airports
• Urban and regional transit policy

International affairs and scientific policy:

• The regions are authorized to conclude international agreements with other states in matters pertaining to their areas of autonomy.
• They are also responsible for setting scientific research policy.

For those federal responsibilities in fields of policy that fall largely within the competence of the regions: see Federal State.