Introduction

Due to our location in the capital of the European Union, the Brussels office of the Heinrich Böll Foundation is able to perform a unique liaison function between the Foundation’s 27 international offices, its headquarters in Berlin, its partners, and the European and international institutions in Brussels. This special function is particularly reflected in our role as the host of visitor groups, ranging from brief expert visits to extended, intensive programmes for NGO representatives – so-called Capacity Buildings. The involvement of young political and environmental activists from the newer EU member states and candidate countries is a particularly important part of this work.

The main aim of our visitors’ programme is to provide a platform for dialogue between our partners and decision-makers in Brussels, offering them the possibility to participate in political processes at an early stage. Partners from candidate countries also have the opportunity to network with European NGOs and to share the experiences of those in the newer member states, giving a valuable extra perspective to their work. For more information contact Alexander Tietz, tietz@boell.eu.