European and International Relations

The development of a productive programme of European and International relations is important to the Assembly.

Laws made at the European and United Kingdom levels are implemented in Wales.  It is important therefore that the Assembly has relations with the institutions of the European Union so that it can monitor and influence proposed laws where opportunities exist.  The Assembly is one of 74 regional parliaments and assemblies in Europe with lawmaking powers. It can learn different, and sometimes better, ways of doing things from its counterparts across Europe.  In return it can offer its own experience help others do likewise.

The Assembly also has a role to play in promoting parliamentary democracy internationally.  Its commitment to transparency, accessibility and sustainability is an example to others.  Assembly Members and staff can add experience from Wales to international initiatives to promote and develop parliamentary best practice.

The Presiding Officer and the Deputy Presiding Officer have an important ambassadorial role representing the Assembly in Europe and internationally. They work with cross party support in developing the Assembly’s programme of external liaison.

The Assembly has close links with the United Kingdom Parliament at Westminster, with the Scottish Parliament and with the Northern Ireland Assembly.

In Europe, the Assembly maintains close links with the European Parliament and the other EU institutions. The Assembly is represented in UK delegations to the Committee of the Regions, and also in the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.

The Assembly’s European and External Affairs Committee  considers Wales’ relations within Europe and internationally.

The Assembly is an active member of three inter-parliamentary associations:  the British Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body  which draws together parliamentarians from across the islands of Britain and Ireland; the Conference (of Presidents) of European Regional Legislative Assemblies; and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

The European and International Team co-ordinates inter-parliamentary relations and official visits to and from the Assembly.  They are the point of contact for those wishing to arrange an official visit.  

Brussels Office

The Assembly has a Brussels Office which assists it in its relations with the EU. The office contact details are:

Gregg Jones, Head of Office,
National Assembly for Wales EU Office
Wales House (6th Floor)
Rond Point Schuman, 11
B-1040 Brussels
Belgium

email: Gregg.Jones@wales.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: +32 (0)2 226 6692
Fax + 32 (0)2 226 6694