| Type of parliamentary body |
Multifunctional |
| Nature |
Permanent |
| Related to chambers |
Chambre des Représentants
|
| Date of creation |
19 February 1919 |
| Last renewal date |
|
| Mandate |
The Committee's mandate is to follow developments in foreign affairs, and in particular to adopt laws acceding to conventions. Its purview also covers foreign trade matters (those still under federal authority), related legislation and development cooperation.
The Committee works closely with its Senate counterpart and the Consultative Committee for European Matters.
|
| Membership |
The Committee is composed of 17 titular members, 24 alternates, and one member without voting rights. New members are nominated on the basis of proportional representation of the various political groups. |
| Working methods |
The Committee determines its own agenda, failing which the agenda is set by the Chair. Priority is given to draft legislation and consideration of the budget. Bills and draft resolutions are placed on the agenda at the request of their sponsors.
In performing their oversight role, Committee members frequently address questions to the government.
The Committee may also decide to hold hearings on specific issues, such as international trade. Committee members can then propose the names of persons they wish to appear before the Committee. Representatives of the government, university professors, or individuals working in supranational or international agencies may be questioned in this connection.
The Committee issues public reports following its discussions on various issues. These reports contain summaries of the discussions held.
The Committee may also organize visits abroad in connection with issues within its purview.
|
| Relations with other parliamentary bodies |
The Committee may meet at any time with one or more of the other parliamentary committees. The Committee transmits the texts adopted and reports on its deliberations on draft legislation and resolutions to the plenary following completion of the discussions. |
| Relations with external bodies |
The Committee works with the academic world and civil society. Committee members also take part in meetings organized by the European Presidency on matters within its purview. |
| Subjects dealt with |
Subjects addressed by the Committee include Belgium's international relations, the international situation and potential crises, human rights, the organization and functioning of international agencies (UN, WTO, UNESCO) and development cooperation (policies and strategy). |
| CONTACT INFORMATION |
| Main address |
Service des Commissions, Chambre des représentants, 1008 Bruxelles |
| Phone |
+322 549 81 38 |
| Fax |
+322 549 8498 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PRESIDING OFFICER(S)
|
| Name |
Mr. Karel Pinxten |
| Notes |
Chairperson, Committee on Foreign Relations |
| Address (if different from above) |
Chambre des Représentants, Maison des Parlementaires, Bureau 3102, 1008 Bruxelles |
| Phone |
+321 164 71 20 |
| Fax |
+321 164 47 05 |
| E-mail |
karel.pinxten@overpelt.be |
| Website |
|
| Name |
Mr. Dirk Van der Maelen |
| Notes |
First Vice-Chairperson, Committee on Foreign Relations |
| Address (if different from above) |
Chambres des représentants, Maison des Parlementaires, Bureau 2235, 1008 Bruxelles |
| Phone |
+325 441 02 03 |
| Fax |
+325 441 70 12 |
| E-mail |
dirk.vandermaelen@lachambre.be |
| Website |
|
| Name |
Mr. Patrick Moriau |
| Notes |
Second Vice-Chairperson, Committee on Foreign Relations |
| Address (if different from above) |
Chambre des Représentants, Maison des Parlementaires, Bureau 1223, 1008 Bruxelles |
| Phone |
+326 443 13 34 |
| Fax |
+326 443 13 39 |
| E-mail |
patrick.moriau@lachambre.be |
| Website |
|
|
SECRETARY
|
| Name |
Ms. Mireille Pöttgens |
| Notes |
Senior Counselor |
| Address (if different from above) |
Service des Commissions, Chambre des représentants, 1008 Bruxelles |
| Phone |
+322 549 81 38 |
| Fax |
+322 549 84 98 |
| E-mail |
mireille.pottgens@lachambre.be |
| web site: |
|
| Notes |
|
