G-4 Office in Brussels

In 2003 the four largest cities in the Netherlands (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht) came together to open their own G-4 (Grote or Big 4) representation at the European Union in Brussels.

As regional and local governments are becoming increasingly responsible for the implementation of European policy, it is essential to have one's interests well represented.

Influence of Brussels

Brussels makes decisions on approximately half of all new national legislation and regulations. The influence of Brussels is increasing in everyday life. The environment, the Euro, competition policy, the European emergency number 112, the free movement of people and goods, food safety, uniform European standards for the quality of drinking water are but a few examples. The European Union has harmonised legislation in many diverse areas. A substantial part of decision making in the Dutch parliament involves the implementation of agreements made by the joint Member States in Brussels.          

Intensive cooperation

In the vast, complex European circuit, G-4 cooperates intensively with the Dutch government, the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions, the Dutch Permanent Representation and many European interest groups of local authorities.

European lobbying partnerships

Cooperation is a condition for success. In the first place within G-4 itself. Then beyond its confines. In reality, however, G-4 is just one of many lobby groups in Brussels. When it comes to getting your interests represented it is thus crucial to find 'partners'. These are parties pursuing similar interests on specific lobbying issues or which are hoping for a subsidy or other benefits for comparable projects.

The G-4 is therefore partner in the House of European Cities, Municipalities and Regions.

For more information, visit the website of the G-4 Office: www.grotevier.nl.