Murcia Región Europea Office in Brussels

The Region of Murcia

The Office of the Region of Murcia in Brussels was created in 1989 and currently depends on the Directorate-General for the European Union and the Development Institute of the Region of Murcia.

The Region of Murcia has been present in Brussels since 1989, through a commercial office established at that time by the Development Institute (INFO) and in coordination with the Secretariat for Affairs Related to the European Communities of the Autonomous Community. In 1996, the Office of the Region of Murcia in Brussels was officially established by Decree 59/1996 on the Reform of the Structures of the Regional Administration (Supplement No. 8 of BORM 191, dated August 17, 1996).

The Office of the Region of Murcia in Brussels is a key instrument supporting the representation of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia (CARM) before European institutions and bodies, in defense of its interests.

Actions

The Office of the Region of Murcia in Brussels serves as a fundamental tool to support the representation of CARM before European institutions and bodies, in defense of its interests, specifically through the following activities:

• Monitoring of the EU legislative process.

• Support for the participation of the Region of Murcia in the EU decision-making process:

  • In the Council of the EU formations open to the participation of the Autonomous Communities: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumers; Agriculture and Fisheries; Environment; Education, Youth and Culture; Consumer and Sports Affairs.

  • In European Commission committees open to the participation of the Autonomous Communities.

  • As a member of the EU Committee of the Regions, supporting work within its Commissions and other participatory structures of this advisory body.

• Search for European funding: identification and analysis of funding opportunities within EU programs under the 2021–2027 Multiannual Financial Framework; dissemination of specialized information to public and private entities in the Region of Murcia; and guidance throughout the entire lifecycle of a European project.

• Support for the participation and representation of CARM:

  • In European forums organized by EU institutions and bodies.

  • Within European regional networks to which the Region of Murcia belongs, such as the European Association of Development Agencies (EURADA), the European Regions Research and Innovation Network (ERRIN), and the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR).

• Support for Murcians in Brussels:

  • Office premises available as a workspace for meetings, upon request by Murcian entities.

  • Assistance with organizing meetings with European institutions, organizations, networks, and other entities based in the Belgian capital.

  • Guidance on employment opportunities within European institutions.

  • Informal network of Murcians living in Belgium.

Responsibilities

Decree 59/1996, in its Article 20, establishes the following responsibilities for the Brussels Office:

• Monitoring the decision-making process and obtaining information on legislative initiatives, actions, and programs of the European Union that affect the powers or interests of the Autonomous Community.

• Serving as an infrastructure for meetings between socioeconomic actors and regional authorities with EU institutions.

• Facilitating cooperation between entities and bodies of the Regional Administration and other public and private organizations based in Brussels for the defense and promotion of the multisectoral interests of the Region of Murcia.