Liaison Office Brussels

General information

The UNIDO Liaison Office in Brussels provides strategic advisory services and policy advocacy to reinforce the vision and objectives of UNIDO at institutions of the European Union, the Organisation of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and partners in Belgium.

In 2022, the Office enhanced its engagement with the European Commission and European Parliament, all within the European Union Multiannual Financial Framework for the next seven years (2021–2027). In March, Director General Gerd Müller met with main EU partners in Brussels, including EU Commissioners, Members of the European Parliament, and Belgian representatives which led to the identification of concrete avenues of collaboration for a strengthened partnerships. 

Among the visibility activities in 2022, the office organized several conferences, a photography exhibition in the framework of the European Year of Youth at the European Parliament, contributed to the EU Industry Days, the EU-AU Summit, the EU-Africa Business Summit, and  the European Development Days, and published the cooperation report "UNIDO and the European Union: State of the International Partnership 2021". 

All these actions, in addition to the high volume of technical cooperation conducted in more than 100 countries, have provided significant value to the European Union, which remains the largest UNIDO donor of voluntary contributions from governmental sources.

Foreword

Welcome to the UNIDO Liaison Office in Brussels page, which illustrates the unique relationship that UNIDO and the European Union have developed over several decades.

Over the past years and with the continuous trust and support from the EU, UNIDO has provided technical assistance to ensure inclusive and sustainable industrial development worldwide. As of April 2022, EU is funding 37 on-going projects with more than 327 million USD. Our collective vision has translated into tangible benefits in over 100 countries in Africa, Asia & the Pacific, Latin America & the Caribbean, and the European neighborhood. Together we have created and safeguarded jobs, reduced poverty, increased prosperity, and tackled climate change and inequalities to help the most vulnerable while protecting the planet. This disruptive period has underscored the importance of the UNIDO-EU partnership in addressing the economic dimension of the critical challenges of tomorrow.

While we continue to adjust to new challenges, our office will remain steadfast in our dedication to our mission, our partners, and the sustainability of our planet. The problems facing our ever-changing world will require us to think creatively, adapt in real-time, and progress by innovation to partner in solving global issues to ensure that no one is left behind.

On this page you will have the opportunities to engage with us in Brussels, follow our updates on social media, read reports and register for opportunities to join us at upcoming events.

Mr. Christophe Yvetot, 

UNIDO Representative to the European Institutions and the Organization of ACP States