General Assembly Meeting 2018

Last 28th of June, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg celebrated its General Assembly Meeting, which took place at the Instituto Cervantes headquarters in Brussels. The meeting was attended by Ms. Cecilia Yuste, Ambassador of Spain in Belgium and Honorary President of the Chamber, and several members of the Chamber.

 Juan Ródriguez- Villa Matons, President of the Chamber, welcomed all the attendees. He also exposed the gains achieved so far as well as the new targets and challenges that the Chamber will be this coming years.

At the same time, Juan Rodríguez- Villa reminded those presents the service vocation of the Chamber with the Spaniards living abroad.

After this introduction made by our president, the word was given to María Catalán, Secretary General of the Chamber.

María set the agenda of the Assembly and afterwards presented the Chamber activities report done during the last year, including courses, events, programs, and paying special attention to the Erasmus For Young Entrepreneurs program, to the Chamber job website and to the Commercial activities.

The services offered by the Chamber were reminded to the attendees. Besides, the expenditure and revenues figures, the income statement and account balance were detailly explained. After the approval of last financial year annual accounts as well as of the Board of Directors management, the Assembly gave in the last point of the agenda: the voting of the new spokesperson vacancies.

Once they all had been presented to the Audience, the Assembly proceeded to vote, resulting on the election for a new three- year term of the following members:

  • BBVA, represented by Javier Arias, Group Head European Affairs
  • ArcelorMittal, represented by Asier Marquina, EU Institutional Affairs Manager
  • Everis Belgium, represented by Óscar Abril, Partner
  • José Luis Rodríguez Álvarez, in a personal capacity
  • Meteora, represented by José Gracia Barba, President
  • Racine, represented by Bert Dehandschutter, Lawyer
  • Santander Consumer Bank, represented by Manuel Menéndez Barrero, CEO- Managing Director
  • Sergio de Miguel Jesser, in a personal capacity.

The Ambassador, Ms. Cecilia Yuste thanked the work done by the Spanish companies and the chamber in the promotion of the commercial and cultural activity of Spain in Belgium. Once again, she showed the commitment of the Embassy and the willing to keep on working next with the Chamber in those activities that help to promote the image of our country abroad.

To close the Assembly, the attendees were greeted with a cocktail offered by Mediterránea, a member company.

All the documentation relative to the 2017 General Ordinary Assembly will be at all the members’ disposal through the Chamber’s Intranet.

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Conference on future priorities and budget of the EU: Do they benefit Spain?

On June 26, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organized, in collaboration with its member Schuman Associates, a conference on “The future priorities and budgets of the EU: Do they benefit Spain?“. The event was attended by several members of the Chamber and representatives of Spanish public institutions in Brussels.

The conference was given by Ruth Estrada, partner of Schuman Associates, a consultancy based in Brussels with more than 25 years of experience in financing and European Public Affairs.

As can be seen from the title of the conference, the exhibition focused on the new multi-year financial perspectives of the EU, which are prepared every seven years. This budget proposal is the first that is made without the participation of the United Kingdom.

These new budgets present several changes compared to the previous ones. In fact, the number of programs has fallen from fifty-eight to thirty-seven, multiplying the investment in digitalization, Erasmus program and security and defense programs, as well as borders contol.

In relation to these initiatives, one of the main novelties exposed by Ruth Estrada is that these budgets look for a centralization of the financing by increasing the control of Brussels.

As a consequence of this centralization, the European cohesion policy will also be seriously impacted, reducing funding for these policies by 10%, which will be compensated through centralized policies.

Estrada also explained the budget distribution foreseen for the new Horizon Europe (which will continue the work begun by Horizon 2020). This horizon plans to allocate more than ninety four trillion euros to programs grouped in various pillars, such as: the research and development of infrastructures, global challenges and industrial competitiveness and the strengthening of the European research area through the creation of a European Council of Innovation.

Likewise, the co-financing of Brussels in European projects will be significantly reduced, which will affect investment in regional policies, mainly affecting southern and eastern European countries.
Therefore, the five objectives through which investments in structural funds are conducted will be the search for a more digital, greener, better connected, more social and closer to citizens Europe.

As the speaker emphasized, sectors such as tourism and urban development are left out of the main core of these budgets. It is for this reason that Spain, although benefiting in many aspects, will try to introduce these matters in the possible modifications that may be carried out in the proposal. The final decision is scheduled to be approved in May 2019.

After the intervention of Ruth Estrada, numerous attendees had the opportunity to ask questions or comment on the draft budget of the European Union.

To conclude, the speaker informed on the reports published by Schuman Associates in relation to the multiannual financial framework 2014-2020, suggesting its reading for all those interested in European funding and the novelties that are proposed for the coming years:

More information on MFF reports: http://www.schumanassociates.com/newsroom

Breakfast-Conference New companies and associations Code – What impact on the Belgian non-profit organisations?

On June 21st , the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg, in collaboration with its member KOAN Law Firm, organized a breakfast- conference about: “New companies and associations Code- What impact for the Belgian non- profit organizations?”.

The event gathered representatives of different companies, members of the Chamber and representatives of foreign delegations.

The speakers of the conference were Antoine Druetz (Partner at KOAN Law Firm) and Alix Degrez (Associate at KOAN Law Firm). KOAN is a business law firm based in Brussels and Paris. Koan is widely recognized for its top tier services.

The conference focused on the Draft Bill of the New Companies and Associations Code (CAC), which will be applicable from the next 1st January for the newly incorporated associations and foundations, whereas in the case of the existing associations and foundations the deadline to make their Articles of Associations compliant with the CAC January 1st, 2024.

This new Code shall have a wide importance within the Belgian business landscape, because amongst other things, it will repeal the Act of 27 June 1921 on non-profit associations, international non- profit associations and foundations.

Both speakers presented the main novelties that will be introduced by the new code, which will lead to important changes related to Commercial activities, registered seats as well as restructuration and transformations.

Both Antoine Druetz and Alix Degrez gave details about the new rules and principles established by this code and that will affect to the Belgian Companies and Associations. Among the most important amendments that will be implemented it is worth noting those that will develop the current doctrinal principles and rules, to fill in the gaps of the Law, as well as the global harmonization of companies, non- profit organizations, international non-profit organizations and foundations.

In this way, the attendees had the chance to get in touch deeply with the new provisions of the Code. The importance of the topic raised many questions among the attendees to the breakfast-conference.  Druetz and Degrez answered all the raised questions and attended all those who wanted to obtain more information about the various situations previously exposed in the conference.

Definitely, the event organized with our member KOAN Law Firm helped to understand much better the regulations of this new code, which undoubtedly will play an important role in Belgium these following years.

Conference about the internationalization process of LaLiga

On June 14, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organized, in collaboration with LaLiga, a conference on “the internationalization process of LaLiga“. The event was attended by several representatives of both Belgian and Spanish companies, as well as European organizations, who came to know the strategies that LaLiga implements to meet its international expansion objective.

Firts of all, Andrea Oriol, delegate of LaLiga in Benelux, gave a few words of welcome to the attendees and presented the work of LaLiga and the clubs that compose the competition.

As explained, the operation of LaLiga began to change in 2013 with the arrival of Javier Tebas to the presidency, who established new guidelines to strengthen the professional football league nationally and internationally. Thanks to the policies of financial fairplay, the centralization of the sale of audiovisual rights and the fight against piracy and match-fixing it was possible to economically clean up the organization and consolidate the foundations of what it is today, the best league in the world.

The key areas of work for the growth of LaLiga at an international level are the exploration of new business models and the improvement in the knowledge and consideration of each market. Thanks to this, a greater presence and support for the operators (rights holders) and the fans from all over the world, whatever the country they are and speak the language they speak, is assured.

On the other hand, digital and communication development are a very important factors to consider: specific contents must be created for each market, propose new alternatives and carry out a global strategy that in turn has a local impact.

With all this, LaLiga has offices in 10 countries and 12 cities, but thanks to its hiring of personnel for the Global Network project, which every day studies new market opportunities and analyzes the behavior of international markets, its influence reaches today to 84 countries.

Finally, Laura Vilches, responsible for European Affairs of LaLiga, briefly explained the collaboration that LaLiga has been developing since 2015 in Brussels with the European institutions and national delegations, as well as with the representations of professionals from other entertainment industries in key areas for the growth and consolidation of it. These included the centralized sale of the audiovisual rights of their competitions by LaLiga, the fight against piracy or the new FIFA tournaments and new rules of distribution of the UEFA Champions League.

The conference was held in a participatory environment, in which attendees had the opportunity to raise their doubts to the speakers who, after answering them, gave way to networking.

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III Edition of the Golf Tournament of the Spanish Community in Luxembourg

On June 9th, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg collaborated in the third edition of the Golf Tournament of the Spanish Community in Luxembourg, which took place at Kikuoka Country Club. This tournament is organized to benefit the contribution of the Spanish Stand to the social work of the International Bazaar of the Grand Duchy, and was attended by more than 100 people from the Spanish Community of the region, as well as representatives of the Spanish community of Brussels. The contributions of the sponsors, as well as the proceeds from the raffle held during the dinner, will go to the contribution of the Spanish Stand to charity work of the International Bazaar. The initiative, which has the support and collaboration of the Embassy of Spain in Luxembourg and the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg, raised 2,990 euros that will go to the social work of the Bazaar.

The tournament was sponsored by Credit Agricole & Indosuez, The Information Lab and Bankinter Luxembourg, as well as gifts from different sponsors: AEFICE, Vicente e Hijos, Cortijo El Madroño, Crea Haus, LuxgolfHouse, Framoliva, Winery Salferso Wine  and the sculptor Teresa de la Pisa.

The winners in this edition were Carlos Álvarez in the first category, Emilio Carnicero in second category, and Beatriz Querol in the ladies category.

The Organizing Committee and the Spanish Stand at the Luxembourg International Bazaar are grateful for the participation of all those attending the tournament, as well as the support of the sponsoring and collaborating entities.

Sponsored by:

In collaboration with:

          

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The Chamber presents its employment and entrepreneurship programs in Granada

The Secretary General of the Chamber, María Catalán, participated on June 7th and 8th in the III Youth Employment and Mobility Fair organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Granada.

During the conference, more than 400 young people had the opportunity to get information on more than 120 jobs to cover immediately in the 42 companies and institutions of the province participating in the fair.

In relation to opportunities for employability abroad, María Catalán presented the employment and entrepreneurship programs currently managed by the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg.

Among them, the programs EmpleoBeLux, Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, Emprende BeLux and Reactivate.

In addition, Catalán reported on the possibilities of professional internships in Europe through the Mobility Plan of the PICE program, highlighting the active offers currently in Belgium and Luxembourg through the portal enabled to view all of them.

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Meeting of the Board of Directors

On May 31st, a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Chamber took place in Brussels.

The Board of Directors approved the annual accounts for the year 2017 for its presentation at the General Assembly Meeting that will take place on June 28th in Brussels.

Also, new projects and activities to be developed in the coming months were presented.

Live the World Cup 2018 with the Chamber

The Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg and the Chambre de Commerce Belgo-Portugaise, have the pleasure of inviting their members and network of contacts to watch the first game of Spain in the World Cup of Russia 2018 against Portugal. The appointment will take place next Friday 15th at 20:00 in La Tentation, Galician center in Brussels (Rue de Laeken 28, 1000 Brussels).

The match will be broadcasted on a giant screen and during the match it will be possible to taste typical Galician products  (drinks and food not included).

If you are interested in attending, you just have to send an email to info@e-camara.com including the names and surnames of the participants indicating “Spain-Portugal match” in the subject.

Sport means networking!
We will be waiting for you!

In collaboration with:

Introductory Tasting of Spanish wines

On June 6th, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organized, in collaboration with sommelier Alfonso Escubós of AE Vinos, an introductory tasting of Spanish wines.

A total of five Spanish wines from different regions such as Catalonia and Galicia were tasted. Through its characteristics, were analyzed the different elements that combine to reach the final result, the tasting techniques and the principles of winemaking.

The tasting was attended by about ten members and took place in a relaxed atmosphere.

Five Spanish companies visited Brussels during the investment activity for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector

The Oficial Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organized, jointly with the public agency Brussels Invest & Export (BIE), an investment activity for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector in the Brussels-Capital Region.

This activity took place during the 28th and 31st of May gathering a total of five Spanish companies:  Biomedal, Kanteron, ValGenetics, Biopolis y DCN. The different meetings organized for the companies had the objective to showcase the general features of the biopharmaceutical ecosystem and the opportunities that this region offers to foreign companies willing to stablish a subsidiary in the Belgian capital.

The companies had the opportunity to meet with the cluster lifetech.brussels which presented the main figures of the health and life science sector in the Brussels-Capital Region. The companies had also the chance to deep into the research ecosystem and the potential partnerships between companies with a strong focus on R&D and Universities thanks to the meeting carried out with the Université Libre de Bruxelles.

The five companies also visited the BLSI incubator, launched by the Catholic University of Louvain, the Technology Transfer Office of Louvain (Sopartec) and the Brussels-Capital Region. The incubator focuses on the support of companies oriented to life science research.

Finally, BIE and the Chamber provided relevant information regarding the advantages that the region offers to companies and the support scheme for foreign investment. The companies also met with different relevant actors that provide guidance on foreign investment such us BECI, Group S, Actiris and Alter Domus.

The Association of Companies and Entities of the BIO Sector of the Region of Valencia (BIOVAL) provided special support in the dissemination of this activity.