GIZ in Brussels
GIZ has maintained an office in Brussels, the EU’s headquarter, since 1993. GIZ in Brussels monitors EU policy developments, maintains contact with EU institutions and other relevant stakeholders and acts as an interface between the EU in Brussels and GIZ worldwide. It also supports the EU in dialogue at expert level and in the effective implementation of its development objectives. GIZ’s presence is ensured by several cross-cutting and operational units, divisions and projects of GIZ, including the Representation located in the heart of the European District.
Information, advice and networking
GIZ in Brussels is in constant dialogue with EU institutions, notably the European Commission and the European Parliament. In addition to establishing contact between political decision-makers in Brussels and GIZ, it monitors and analyses key developments in the EU’s political, legal, strategic and economic environment that impact GIZ as a whole. Moreover, it strengthens cooperation with the European representations of Germany and its federal states, European development cooperation implementing organisations, research and policy advisory institutes, think tanks, foundations, associations, non-governmental organisations and businesses.
Promoting dialogue, sharing experience, developing ideas
GIZ in Brussels shares experience and expertise from its work on the ground in more than 120 countries with its partners in and around the EU. To this end, it is involved in relevant forums, conferences and trade fairs.
One of the established partnerships in Brussels is the Practitioners’ Network for European Development Cooperation, the dialogue platform for European development cooperation implementing organisations. Founded in 2007 with the participation of GIZ, the network promotes practical exchange with the European Commission and works to harmonise and coordinate development approaches between European implementing organisations. GIZ also takes part in the Africa-Europe Foundation, set up by Brussels think tank Friends of Europe, by for example contributing to events.
The Brussels Representation also organises a series of events of its own on current issues and approaches in international cooperation.
Business development and project implementation
GIZ in Brussels also acts as a contact point for implementing technical assistance, both for the EU’s delegated cooperation mechanism and through EU grants and tenders. Through its Liaison Office for the EU, it provides key account management and acts as a partner for implementation, expertise and exchange. The EU is GIZ’s second largest financier.
Through International Services (InS), GIZ offers the full range of its services directly to relevant clients worldwide – from European institutions, through the EU’s tender business, to bilateral and multilateral donors, development banks, the private sector and other sovereign governments. The InS office is located in Rue de la Charité.