Tagged: Belgium

According to Petsinclude, the Government of Belgium is a federal constitutional monarchy with the King as the head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of government. The King is elected by popular vote every five years and appoints the Prime Minister, who then forms a coalition government of ministers to carry out government policies and programs. The Federal Parliament consists of two houses: the Chamber of Representatives, known as Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers, and the Senate, known as Senaat. The Chamber of Representatives consists of 150 members elected through universal adult suffrage every five years while the Senate consists of 71 members appointed by the regional parliaments. Both houses have legislative power over matters that affect all of Belgium such as taxation and public expenditure although only bills passed by both houses become law. The Constitution of Belgium guarantees fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, press, assembly and association as well as protecting religious freedom and equality before law regardless of gender or race. In addition to its federal system there are also several local self-governing bodies in each region which have their own laws governing local matters such as education, health care, housing and transport. Belgium is a small country located in the heart of Europe, and as such it has a long history of engaging in international diplomacy. Its foreign relations are focused primarily on maintaining friendly relations with its European neighbors and promoting regional integration within the European Union (EU). Belgium also seeks to strengthen economic ties with other countries while protecting human rights, promoting democracy, engaging diplomatically on international issues, and increasing investment opportunities. Belgium’s main diplomatic partners are its European neighbors, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom. These countries have maintained close ties since the formation of the EU in 1993 and continue to collaborate on various projects such as trade agreements and joint infrastructure projects. Belgium also enjoys close diplomatic relations with its non-EU neighbors such as Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Belgium is also an active participant in global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. It has been a signatory of several international agreements related to these issues such as the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, Belgium is a member of various international organizations such as NATO, G7/G20 summits and the Organization for Security & Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). In addition to its European partners, Belgium maintains strong diplomatic ties with many other countries around the world. This includes close relations with North American nations such as Canada and Mexico; friendly ties with many nations in Asia including China, Japan South Korea etc.; increased trade deals with Turkey since 2018; cooperation agreements with African countries; increased investments in Latin America; strong economic ties with India through bilateral trade agreements etc. Overall, Belgian foreign policy is focused on maintaining friendly relations with all nations while promoting regional cooperation within Europe and beyond. The country seeks to strengthen economic ties with partner nations while protecting human rights promoting democracy engaging diplomatically on international issues increasing investment opportunities etc. See relationshipsplus for Belgium defense and foreign policy.