Whilst UKRep formally represents the position of the UK government in the EU, there a number of other key public sector organisations operating in the Brussels environment which seek to promote the interests of UK citizens. Some of these bodies speak on behalf of the different levels of government in the UK, others represent UK interests in different forums. We work closely with these organisations on areas where there is mutual interest and benefit, but they also actively pursue their own activities and interest representation on policies which are of importance.

 

Devolved and local government

 

Representing the interests of the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly is an integral part of the work of UKRep.  These devolved administrations have also established their own presence on the European level, to promote their own interests and activities at the heart of the decision-making environment. More information on their work can be found under the our teams section of our website.

We also work closely with partners from local and regional government who are represented on the EU level. Increasingly it is at this sub-national level that the effects of European legislation and the benefits of EU funding become evident. Each of the English regions has a Brussels office, which help to represent the views of the local authorities, regional development agencies, education and sometimes business sectors in their region. They work to influence European legislation in areas of local and regional interest, to facilitate European funding bids and projects, and to keep local actors informed of the implications of EU policy.

As well as pursuing their individual needs and priorities the UK regions and local authorities are also supported by the work of the Local Government Association (LGA), which seeks to promote common interests, facilitate cooperation between the regions, and represent them in other European formations. Visit the Local Government Assocation and Regional Offices website for more information on the work of the LGA, including the contact details of the local and regional offices.

 

UK National Parliament Office

 

The UK Houses of Parliament (the Commons and the Lords) also have a representative body at the EU level, which facilitates the work of the European Committees of the two houses, by providing advance intelligence on European legislation and activities. More information on the role of this office is available on the UK National Parliament Office website.

 

Other organisations in Brussels

 

The interests of the UK government are also represented in a number of other key fora in Brussels.

Our bilateral Embassy works to promote UK interests and to facilitate cooperation between the UK and Belgium.

Also located in Brussels, the UK Delegation to NATO, represents UK interests, as well as providing information on the work of NATO: UK Delegation to NATO

For more information on other ways in which British interests are represented in Brussels you can also consult the portal website of the UK in Belgium.