The Diplomatic Representation of Flanders in Italy is part of the Chancellery and Foreign Affairs Department and part of a broader Flemish diplomatic network of 14 foreign offices.
The Department of Foreign Affairs looks after the international relations of the Flemish Government. It is responsible for the coordination of Flanders' international and European activities and therefore has the lead in Flanders' relations with foreign governments, the European Union and international organizations.
To realize Flanders' international ambitions, the Department of Foreign Affairs cooperates with two agencies: Flanders Investment & Trade and VISITFLANDERS.
Foreign Policy
Flanders is an open society, oriented towards the world. In a globalizing world, it is essential that we pursue our interests and build on our strengths. Since the signing of the St. Michael’s Agreement of May 5, 1993, every federal state can pursue its own policy abroad in accordance with its domestic priorities. In line with this principle, better known as "in foro interno, in foro externo", Flanders develops its own foreign policy with respect to all its internal priorities such as education, environment, infrastructure, culture, and social affairs.
Within this framework, Flanders maintains bilateral relations with various countries and in various domains. The challenges of the 21st century transcend both national and regional boundaries and increasingly demand global answers. In this perspective, we strive for multilateral cooperation with, UNESCO, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), FAO, and the WFP.
The 14 Flemish Diplomatic Representations are an important instrument in Flemish foreign policy. They cooperate closely with the respective Embassies of Belgium.
The 14 Flemish Diplomatic Representations are an important instrument in Flemish foreign policy. They cooperate closely with the respective Embassies of Belgium.
The Flemish authorities are determined to position our federal state as a reliable partner with its own international policy. In order to realize this ambition, Flemish international policy focuses on the following nine strategic objectives:
- Global answers to global problems
- The European Union as a world player
- Subsidiarity and cultural diversity
- Well-defined licensing policy with respect to the trade in strategic goods
- Improved internationalization of the Flemish economy
- Free and fair world trade
- Greater international accessibility of Flanders
- Poverty reduction and social development
- Combating the causes and consequences of climate change
The Department has been charged with the following tasks:
- the development of cooperation with foreign partners;
- the creation of European legislation and the conclusion and ratification of international treaties;
- international and European trade policy;
- Flemish development cooperation, with a geographical focus on Southern Africa;
- the control over the import, export, and transit of weapons and other strategic goods from Flanders.