The Communes

“Commune” is the Belgian term for a local authority area, similar to a borough in the UK. The German language area (DG) contains 9 of Belgium’s 589 communes. The communes are the smallest unit in the country’s administrative structure.

Traditionally the communes exercise considerable autonomy, which they proudly defend. Already at the time of the French administration (1794-1815) attempts had been made to centralize the power of local authorities, without any particular success.

Town hall Eupen

The communes are, among other things, responsible for

• maintenance of public order;
• the local police;
• registry of civil status and population;
• the granting of building permits;
• road maintenance within the territory of the commune (not major highways, which fall to the of the communal traffic network,
• taking initiative in the fields of education, culture, sport etc.

The Communal Council

• is the parliamentary body of the commune;
• is elected every six years. Belgians and local citizens from EU countries may vote;
• comprises between 7 and 55 members, depending on the local population;
• manages all matters relating directly to the local area (budget, local taxes, local regulations and local policing...).

The Communal College of Aldermen

• is the commune’s executive body;
• is chaired by the mayor;
• is responsible for the day to day administration of the commune;
• is entrusted with implementing the decisions of the Communal Council.

The Mayor

• unlike the aldermen members of the Communal College, the mayor is not elected, but appointed by the regional government. The communal council maintains the right to tender the possible appointees;
• is the head of the commune, chairperson of the Communal College and Council;
• is also entrusted with the implementation of federal, Communitary and Regional legislative norms, is the director of the local police and is responsible for the maintenance of public order.