Political Science
Introduction
Belgium was one of the founding members of the current day European Union in the year 1957. Since then, Belgium has continuously campaigning in an active manner for the improvement and expansion of the entire European continent in the global arena. Quite a few of the leading politicians of Belgium have also played substantially pivotal roles in the construction of Europe. Subsequently, the minds and the identity of the Belgians have long been fashioned by the membership of Belgium in the European market.
Belgium is officially a popular monarchy constitutionally and also a federal parliamentary democracy. It has a bicameral federal parliament called ‘The Senate,’ and Chamber of Representatives. The Senate is made of 50 Senators appointed by the Parliament of communities and regions and a 10 co-opted Senators. Earlier, Senate members were directly voted, and it today has a proportional voting system from its 11 electoral districts, and compulsory voting ensures one among the highest voter turnout in the world.
The democracy is headed by King Philip who has limited prerogatives and makes a selection of his government – the Prime Minister and other ministers from the Chamber of Representatives that forms the government in Belgium.
The political institutions in Belgium are extensively complex and are organized around a definitive need to represent main cultural communities. Since the 1970s, many national political parties have had a definite dichotomy on the grounds of representing the political and linguistic interests of Belgium. The major political parties that seem to play an active central role are the Christian Democrats, the Liberals, and the Social Democrats. Many parties have been established in the latter half of the last century aiming to represent linguistic nationalist and environmental interests.
The European Union plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day activities and lives of the Belgians, eventually bringing together the Belgian citizens closer to the various establishments and institutions of the European Community.
Belgium is strategically located between the Germanic and Latin Europe, and has two major languages namely Dutch and French that are largely popular in Belgium. There are also a small group of German speakers as well, and Belgium officially is the Kingdom of Belgium, which is a federal monarchy.
Belgium had its contribution to the industrial revolution and even had several African colonies. Language feuds were also witnessed in the second half of the 20th century, which gave rise to considerable tension in the country. Other than language, there also seem to be specific economic issues that fuelled the tensions within the country. Between the years 1970-1993, federal arrangements replaced unitary arrangements, and despite all this the tensions continued between the main groups.
European Union (EU) is possibly one of the largest economies globally. Its growth and prosperity are completely dependent on how stable and effective are the economic and monetary union. The European integration benefits every individual citizen and businesses that can be felt on a daily basis. The free trade area has given rise to customs union, which led to the common market and finally the economic and monetary union. Europe has eliminated all monetary obstacles and need for varying exchange rates. Besides, the EU also facilitates commerce because of lack of exchange costs. This gives the EU a much stronger voice in the global economy, while also creating a great sense of identity for all the member states.
The Economic and Monetary Union has also given rise to stability and growth, and all the member states undertake a healthy and responsible budgetary policies to facilitate that there is no slippage and subsequent insolvency that could disrupt common monetary policy. The growth and stability pact sets criteria, which all partner states need to adopt, and finally the creation of the European Monetary Union is politically, by and far, the biggest step in the formation of the European Union.
The economy of Belgium “adopted expansionary fiscal measure in line with EERP (European Economy Recovery Program) with calculated impact of ½ of GDP in year 2009 and 2010. The measures included reduction in VAT rate for residential constructions, delay of tax payments for firms, wage subsidies and acceleration of public investment.” Belgium is also the President of the Council of the EU, and as part of this role Belgium has the responsibility of organizing and managing the activities of each of the Council members with the help of the various ministers.
“Belgium serves as a congregation to the "capital of Europe" within its own boundaries. Consequently, it has more undeviating admission in to the European Parliament (EP), the Council and the European Commission (EC).” Irrespective of all this, it is vital that Belgium establishes itself akin to all other members of the EU. The primary activity of the various diplomats and experts in the Permanent Representation (PR) to the EU is to be present and participate in the several meetings with the other representatives of the Member States for ensuring proper organization and structure of the Council activities. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is considered the de-facto capital of the EU, and it hosts institutions of the EU in the European quarter.
Belgium can actually be considered a microcosm of all European challenges. Belgium is considered is one of the most pro-European states. It is one of the important founding members and is at the heart of the European Union. Belgium carries one of the most open economies in the world, and is a home for many multinational companies and the Antwerp port and airport are one among the busiest in the world. There are a lot of European institutions that employ thousands of civil servants, and is also a home to many lobby groups.
The EU presence in Brussels has created a deep impact both socially and economically, and some even claim that Brussels prosperity is a result of the European presence. It is estimated that 10% of the city has international connections. Surprisingly, 46% of the Brussel’s residents are non-Belgium natives. About half of them are from EU, 60% of them are civil servants, and half of the civil servants are actually home owners in Brussels. These institutions directly employ about 50, 000 people to work in the city, and another 20, 000 people are indirectly employed, which generate about 2 billion Euros annually. Further, 2, 000 foreign companies employ 80, 000 multi-lingual locals.
3.5 million Square meters of built-up space, half of which are occupied by the EU institutions, quarter of which is for the city offices. The majority of the EU space is concentrated in Leopold quarter. About 2 billion Euros that goes into the EU institutions benefits Brussels immensely. Approximately 0.8 million Euros is generated from the expenses of diplomats, journalists and others. Business tourism generates about 2.2 billion hotel room nights annually. There are 30 international schools that cost Euro 99 million a year to run.
Belgium’s economy has always been boosted by Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and historically the country has always solicited international trade and investment. Belgium is known for its non-discriminatory policies between domestic and foreign establishments within Belgium.
Belgium promotes openness in both trade and investment and hence foreign investors do not need authorization of payments and the currency is fully convertible, thus allowing all currencies for transactions. There is absolutely zero debt-to-equity requirement, which encourages free flow of investments and credits. It also follows strong anti-bribery laws, free-trade zone system and free ports.
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