The provinces – the intermediate policy level between the Flemish and municipal level – have extensive powers. They have devised initiatives in the fields of education, social and cultural infrastructures, preventive medicine and social policy. They also deal with the environment, with highways and waterways, the economy, transport, public works, housing, use of official languages, etc.
Short history:
- In 1973 the nine Belgian provinces decided to create an association to promote their common interests; the association of the Belgian Provinces was born.
- In 1991, the Flemish provinces and the Flemish members of Council of the Province ‘Brabant’ created their own association; the Flemish Association of Provinces.
- In 1995, after the creation of the province Flemish Brabant, the association received her current name: The Association of Flemish Provinces.
The VVP is:
- the representation of the provincial government level in the political heart of Brussels;
- the platform for cooperation and consultation between the five Flemish provinces;
- the stimulator of renewal processes and methods for the benefit of provincial management.
Where is the VVP represented?
As the representation of the provincial government level in the political heart of Brussels the VVP participates in many organizations such as “Onderhandelingscomité C” where representatives of employers and employees meet, “MINA-raad”, the advisory council for environmental matters, “VLABEST”, the advisory council for internal affairs, “GIS-raad”, the council for geographical information systems, …
President: Mrs. Hilde BRUGGEMAN (website www.hildebruggeman.be)
Contact details:
Association of Flemish Provinces (VVP)
Boudewijnlaan 20/21
B-1000 Brussel
tel. 02/512.11.52
fax 02/502.46.80
email: vvp.studiedienst@vlaamseprovincies.be
Website: www.vlaamseprovincies.be