Abstract
In the Belgian contribution in this volume, the following networks of local state–society relations are considered: youth councils, municipal commissions on spatial planning, local action groups, local mobility commissions and local housing consultations. These five networks offer a good overview of the broad spectrum of local state–society relations in Belgium. Youth councils and local action groups are seen as collaborative local state–society networks. They have both an advisory and a more collaborative role towards local government. The municipal commissions on spatial planning and the local mobility commissions are seen as delegated types of network, given their more formal role and position, while the local housing consultations are considered as a ceremonial type of network.
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Notes
- 1.
The Brussels Capital Region did not install a new LGA yet.
- 2.
An official report counted no less than 2.229 different types of inter-municipal cooperation in Flanders in 2012, ranging from very formal inter-municipal companies up to more informal administrative city forums (ABB 2012).
- 3.
Next to these institutionalized local state–society networks, there are numerous informal consultation forums where local government meets local society to exchange ideas on new policy plans, or to adjust current policies.
- 4.
In addition to the youth council (as the most institutionalised instrument), municipalities utilize more informal instruments to involve local youth in policy-making as well. These include, among others, the work of the municipal youth service, ad hoc surveys, a youth check on local policy, children councils and teen councils (Schrijvers 2015).
- 5.
This Flemish codex on Spatial Planning is the basic law on everything related to spatial planning in Flanders. For more information: https://www.ruimtelijkeordening.be/VCRO.
- 6.
LEADER represented the local development method that was funded by the European Fund EAFRD and that was used until the current EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2014–2020. During the period 2014–2020, the method has been extended to the broader term Community-Led Local Development including funding from three additional EU Funds (EMFF, ERDF, ESF; European Network for Rural Development 2019).
- 7.
The LEADER approach entails a focus on specific subregional territories; guidance from the community (involving representatives from the public and private sector); implementation via integrated and multisectoral territorial strategies for local development; and a design in the context of local needs and possibilities while being innovative in the local context (Europa Nu 2019).
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De Ceuninck, K., Verhelst, T. (2021). Local State–Society Relations in Flanders (Belgium). In: Teles, F., Gendźwiłł, A., Stănuș, C., Heinelt, H. (eds) Close Ties in European Local Governance. Palgrave Studies in Sub-National Governance. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-44794-6_5
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