BELGIAN BIDFOR THEEUROPEANBANKINGAUTHORITY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE BRUSSELS GREATER AREA IS THE IDEAL PLACE FOR THE RELOCATION OF THE EBA

1. AVAILABILITY OF PREMISES IN TIME

2. THE ACCESSIBILITY OF THE LOCATION ACCESSIBILITY ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES DIRECT FLIGHTS DIRECT TRAIN CONNECTIONS

3. EDUCATION FACILITIES

4. SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICAL CARE AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES THE EXPAT WELCOME DESK OF THE BRUSSELS - CAPITAL REGION RELOCATION PACKAGE BY THE EXPAT WELCOME DESK

5. BUSINESS CONTINUITY PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES

6. GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD

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THE BRUSSELS GREATER AREAIS THE IDEAL PLACE FOR THE RELOCATION OF THE EBA

As one of the founding members of the European Union and home to the EU institutions, Belgium is proud to launch its bid to host the European Banking Authority. Centrally located in the heart of Europe and close to the current headquarters of the European Banking Authority, Brussels Greater Area provides the ideal conditions for a swift and smooth transition.

Belgium’s strong financial sector, its quality of life, the opportunities it offers to employees and their families and the outstanding building it proposes make it the perfect new home for the European Banking Authority. In addition, Belgium consistently scores high in digital connectivity, innovation, health, education and technological readiness.

A highly-diversified Belgian banking sector includes top-notch market infrastructure companies, large European banks (ING, BNP Paribas and KBC), typical savings banks (Belfius, Argenta, etc.) and many host banks (e.g. Deutsche bank). The presence of the European Banking Federation is also a plus.

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BRUSSELS

Brussels South Charleroi Airport

Brussels Airport

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In order to provide the European Banking Authority with the appropriate premises, the Brussels Greater Area has a large selection of modern and affordable office space. Brussels has around 13.3 million sq. m. of office space, of which 1.3 million sq. m. is currently available on the market. Projects with building permits represent an impressive potential increase in office stock.

Amongst the several flexible and attractive alternative location proposals for the relocation of the European Banking Authority, Belgium proposes the Regent Park, a brand new office building located right in the heart of the European Quarter in Brussels, unlocking countless synergies with the nearby EU institutions. Important stakeholders are within walking distance of the Regent Park building: the Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union (500 meters), the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs (900 meters) and the Single

REQUIREMENTS TO BE FULFILLED

This criterion concerns in particular the availability of appropriate office premises in time for the Agency to be able to take up its functions at the new location at the withdrawal date. This should include the necessary logistics and sufficient space for offices, meeting rooms and off-site archiving, high-performing telecommunication and data storage networks as well as appropriate physical and IT security standards.

AVAILABILITY OFPREMISES IN TIME

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Resolution Board (600 meters) all take less than a fifteen-minute walk to be reached.

The Regent Park is a state-of-the-art building, located on the most strategic of corners : right on the inner ring road, exactly at the point where the European district meets the city centre district, just a stone’s throw from Parc Royal/Warandepark. The interior garden brings nature right into the building, and the rooftop terrace offers a beautiful view on the park and the city centre.

The building comprises seven floors as well as two underground levels for parking and archives, totalling 7,180 sq. m. of office space. Technical features include: the latest HVAC technologies, ultra-clear double glazing, incorporated LED lightening with no glare, three lifts, badge-controlled access to the premises, BREEAM excellent as well as low water and energy usage. Besides numerous car parking

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Berlaymont

Council of theEuropean Union

EuropeanCommittee of the Regions

EuropeanParliament

EuropeanCommission

EUROPEANQUARTER

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REGENTPARK

THON HOTEL 1 KM 300 SEATS

CONCERT NOBLE1,1 KM 450 SEATS

RENAISSANCE BRUSSELS 1,6 KM 360 SEATS

BOZAR0,7 KM350 SEATS

SQUARE BRUSSELS1,1 KM 300 TO 1250 SEATS

ALBERT HALL2,7 KM 500 SEATS

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spots, the underground parking level also includes bicycle racks and locker rooms with showers.

The Regent Park building is currently available for fit-out, ensuring that the time schedule for the relocation can be met. All architectural requirements of EBA can be fulfilled in the current building. Meeting rooms and offices can be designed according to the architectural brief of EBA.

In case EBA would require larger meeting rooms, Brussels boasts around 210 venues for events for between 10 and 10,000 persons, totalling 1,237,400 sq. m. of convention centre space. Several nearby conference venues can provide the ideal place for conventions of up to 1,250 people.

Belgium boasts a fast, secure and reliable IT infrastructure providing the ideal backbone for the operations of the European Banking Authority. Broadband fibre-optic internet and secure servers are widely available, offering secure cloud solutions and collaborative computing. Several backup data centres for disaster recovery in the Brussels Greater Area can be made accessible from the proposed premises via a fibre-optic connection.

In the business-to-business segment, Belgium has a very rich history of innovation and digitalisation. As a result, Belgium has one of the most advanced digitalised financial systems, also in the business-to-consumer segment. The Digital Belgium plan, the Start-Up Manifesto, the Digital Act and B-Hive are just a few recent examples of Belgium’s ambitions to secure and further its edge in the digital era. A dedicated Financial Sector Cyber Council unites cyber experts from market infrastructure companies and multinationals with cyber experts from supervisors, government and academia.

On- and off-site security services are readily available. Given its strategic importance, the European Quarter is continuously being monitored by Belgian security forces.

Belgium stands ready to assist the EBA in managing its location specific contracts, such as the maintenance of the future EBA premises. The Belgian Building’s Agency can propose a comprehensive service level agreement for building related services in close cooperation with third-party providers, in order to facilitate a smooth transition to the new premises.

The Regent Park is priced at a competitive price level. The additional fit-out costs will depend on the requirements as defined by the EBA.

CONFERENCE VENUES

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BRUSSELS

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THE ACCESSIBILITY OF THE LOCATION

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REQUIREMENTS TO BE FULFILLED

This criterion concerns the availability, frequency and duration of flight connections from the capitals of all EU Member States to the airports close to the location, the availability, frequency and duration of public transportation connections from these airports to the location, as well as the quality and quantity of accommodation facilities. In particular, the criterion implies the capacity to allow for the continuation of the volume and intensity of current meeting activities of the Agency.

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AMSTERDAM00:4501:50

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ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES

The Brussels Greater Area can easily accommodate the European Banking Authority’s more than 9,000 annual visitors. Brussels has close to two hundred world-class hotels with around 20,000 hotel rooms. Close to the city centre, an additional 3,000 hotel rooms are available in the immediate vicinity of Brussels Airport. Hotels range from international branded hotels to several unique family-owned boutique hotels. Price levels are generally much lower than in comparable European capitals. Thanks to preferential corporate agreements, all major hotels apply favourable rates for EU institutions, their staff and their visitors.

The Schuman railway station, only a 15-minute walk away from the Regent Park premises, provides national and international train connections. A direct line to the airport is available as well. Brussels Central station is a 10 minute walk away.

Brussels Airport can be easily reached by taxi, bus or train in just 20 minutes.

The Art-Loi metro station is located right next to the building and serves all downtown Brussels.

The Regent Park is just few minutes away from the main access roads in and out of central Brussels (E40, E411).

Cycling paths, bicycle hire stations (Villo!) and the large bicycle storage area available to all tenants make this an attractive, eco-friendly transportation option.

Located at the heart of Europe, Brussels is one of the most accessible capitals on the continent. Thanks to its dense, high-quality transportation infrastructure, Belgium offers fast connections to locations all over Europe by air, sea or land. Travel to major financial centres such as London, Paris, Amsterdam or Frankfurt takes less than two hours.

Brussels is included in Europe’s high-speed train network and offers connections to 19 cities, including Paris, London, Amsterdam, Lille and Cologne. The Eurostar railway service through the Channel Tunnel, for instance, will also enable officials of the European Banking Authority to travel between London and Brussels during the transition phase. Meanwhile, this fast train connection can also be used by employees to commute to work while their families continue living in London. Home is never far away with frequent direct flights

from Belgian airports to all European capitals, second-tier cities as well as to all the main international airports in the world. Regular direct flights connect Brussels with Washington D.C., New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Toronto, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Tokyo, Beijing and Mumbai. Moreover, direct connections to Shanghai and Hong Kong will be inaugurated in the near future and Dubai will be connected twice daily with Brussels.

Brussels Airport is located 12 km (8 miles) north east of Brussels city centre and the European Quarter, and is easily accessible via a direct train connection. Frequent flights are also offered by several operators at Antwerp Airport, which focuses primarily on a business clientele, providing direct flights to London City Airport. Brussels South Charleroi Airport has daily connections to all over Europe and beyond and is easily accessible from anywhere in Belgium.

HOTELS 4 STARS IN THE VICINITY

Thon Hotel EU405 rooms, 16 meeting roomsRue de la Loi 75, 1040 Brussels

Renaissance Brussels Hotel238 rooms, 14 meeting roomsRue du Parnasse 19, 1050 Brussels

Leopold Hotel111 rooms, 5 meeting roomsRue du Luxembourg 35, 1050 Brussels

Park Hotel53 rooms, 5 meeting rooms Avenue de l'Yser 21, 1040 Brussels

Radisson Red149 rooms, 8 meeting rooms Rue d’Idalie 35, 1050 Brussels

Stanhope Hotel125 rooms, 7 meeting rooms Rue du Commerce 9, 1000 Brussels

Hilton Brussels Grand Place224 rooms, 17 meeting rooms Carrefour de l’Europe 3, 1000 Brussels

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel180 chambres, 19 meeting roomsRue Du Fosse aux Loups 47, 1000 Brussels

ACCESSIBILITY

DIRECT FLIGHTSDEPARTING FROM BRUSSELS TO EU MEMBER STATES

AMSTERDAM

ATHENS

BERLIN

BUCHAREST

BUDAPEST

COPENHAGEN

DUBLIN

HELSINKI

LARNACA

LISBON

LJUBLJANA

LONDON

MADRID

PARIS

PRAGUE

RIGA

ROME

SOFIA

STOCKHOLM

TALLINN

VIENNA

WARSAW

LA VALETTA

ZAGREB

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FREQUENCY

(DAILY AVERAGE)

DIRECT TRAINCONNECTIONSDEPARTING FROM BRUSSELS (THALYS-EUROSTAR )

AMSTERDAM

PARIS

COLOGNE

LONDON

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FREQUENCY

(DAILY AVERAGE)

DEPARTING FROM BRUSSELS TO IMPORTANT DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE

BEJING

DUBAI

GENEVA

MONTREAL

NEW YORK

TOKYO

WASHINGTON

TEL AVIV

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FREQUENCY

(DAILY AVERAGE)

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© Belgaimage

© Belgaimage

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EUROPEAN SCHOOLBRUSSELS I (UCCLE + BERKENDAEL)AVENUE DU VERT CHASSEUR 461180 BRUSSELS

EUROPEAN SCHOOLBRUSSELS II (WOLUWÉ)AVENUE OSCAR JESPERS, 751200 BRUSSELS

EUROPEAN SCHOOLBRUSSELS III (IXELLES)BOULEVARD DU TRIOMPHE 1351050 BRUSSELS

EUROPEAN SCHOOLBRUSSELS IV (LAEKEN)DRÈVE SAINTE-ANNE, 861020 BRUSSELS

EUROPEAN SCHOOLMOLEUROPAWIJK 1002400 MOL

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLOF BRUSSELSKATTENBERG 191170 BRUSSELS

ISF WATERLOOINTERNATIONAL SCHOOLCHAUSSÉE DE WATERLOO 2801640 RHODE ST GENÈSE

ST. JOHN’SINTERNATIONAL SCHOOLDRÈVE RICHELLE 1461410 WATERLOO

THE BRUSSELSAMERICAN SCHOOLJF KENNEDYLAAN 11933 ZAVENTEM

BRITISH JUNIORACADEMY OF BRUSSELSBOULEVARD SAINT-MICHEL 831040 BRUSSELS

BRITISH SCHOOLOF BRUSSELSPATER DUPIERREUXLAAN 13080 TERVUREN

BRITISH INTERNATIONALSCHOOL OF BRUSSELS INFANT DEPARTMENT163 AVENUE EMILE MAX1030 BRUSSELS

JUNIOR DEPARTMENT59 AVENUE DE L’EMERAUDE1030 BRUSSELS

ST PAUL’S BRITISHPRIMARY SCHOOLSTATIONSSTRAAT 33080 VOSSEM-TERVUREN

ATHÉNÉE GANENOURUE DU MELKRIEK 31180 BRUSSELS

ATHÉNÉE MAIMONIDEBOULEVARD POINCARÉ 671070 BRUSSELS

INTERNATIONALE DEUTSCHE SCHULE BRÜSSELLANGE EIKSTRAAT 711970 WEZEMBEEK-OPPEM

JAPANESE SCHOOLOF BRUSSELSMULDERSLAAN 1331160 OUDERGEM

LYCÉE FRANÇAISJEAN MONNETAVENUE DU LYCÉE FRANÇAIS 91180 BRUXELLES

SCANDINAVIAN SCHOOLOF BRUSSELSSQUARE D’ARGENTEUIL 51410 WATERLOO

LE VERSEAU INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL RUE DE WAVRE, 60 1301 BIERGES

EDUCATION FACILITIES 3

REQUIREMENTS TO BE FULFILLED

This criterion concerns the availability of multi-lingual, European-oriented schooling that can meet the needs for education facilities for the children of the current staff as well as the capacity to meet also the future education needs.

Many expats move to Belgium to occupy positions at one of the many global organisations headquartered in Brussels, and bring their families, creating a need for quality education. As these positions can be quite transient in nature, international schools remain the most obvious choice for expat parents who want their children to follow their home country's curriculum during their time abroad. The European Banking Authority’s staff can choose from a broad range of outstanding international schools for their children. More than a third of European Schools are located in Belgium and a fifth

European School for 2,500 pupils will open in the Brussels Greater Area in the near future. British and American curricula can be found alongside international and European curricula at various schools. Several universities also offer English language master programs, next to French and Dutch. Three British schools located in the Brussels Greater Area offer a British curriculum. These schools stand ready to increase their capacity in order for the children of EBA staff to complete the British education programs they have started in the UK.

Furthermore, the claim that Belgium’s educational system is one of the most outstanding in the world is backed by the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report 2015-2016 which found that Belgium has the second best primary education system and the second best management schools in the world. The Expat Welcome Desk will provide different services to assist EBA staff while settling in as part of the relocation package. During the transition phase, information on available schools will be provided according to the needs of each individual family. During that period, appointments with schools can be arranged and registration can be taken care of, amongst others.

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Belgium, located in the beating heart of Europe and home to numerous European institutions and international organisations, has a long-standing tradition in hosting expats. Its labour market, medical services and social security provisions are mindful of the specific needs of the numerous expats living on its territory.

EBA staff and their families are subject to the social security provisions of the EU rather than to the Belgian social security. This nevertheless allows them to enjoy access to Belgium’s reliable healthcare system. A 24/7 access to medication thanks to pharmacy rotation and a high number of medical doctors who speak English, French and Dutch only add strength to the claim that healthcare in Belgium is among the best in Europe, and even in the world. The rankings also reaffirm this claim. On a worldwide scale, Belgium occupies 2nd place when it comes to building healthcare infrastructure that answers the needs of the population (IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2016). In addition, Belgium is home to Europe’s 4th best healthcare system, according to the Euro Health Consumer Index (EHCI) published by the Health Consumer Powerhouse in 2016. Belgium scores very well

in patient rights and information, access to care, treatment outcomes, range and reach of services, prevention and use of pharmaceuticals. Apart from being reliable, healthcare is also affordable in Belgium.

Belgium has a vibrant labour market with ample opportunities for international staff. Belgium is one of the most international countries in Europe, with expats making up more than 10% of the workforce. More than 140,000 European foreigners are currently working in Brussels. The city, home to numerous international institutions, advocacy groups, lobbying companies, law firms and others, offers scores of challenging employment opportunities for the family members of staff of the European Banking Authority.

Furthermore, according to the OECD, nowhere in the world is the pay gap between men and women closing faster than in Belgium. The median monthly wage of Belgian men is 3.3% higher than that of women. In the European Union, the median monthly gender wage gap is 19.1%.

SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICAL CARE AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES

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REQUIREMENTS TO BE FULFILLED

This criterion concerns the capacity to meet the needs of the children and spouses of the current as well as of future staff for social security and medical care as well as the availability to offer job opportunities for these.

© VisitFlanders, Milo Profi

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THE EXPATWELCOME DESK OF THE BRUSSELS - CAPITAL REGION

The Expat Welcome Desk (EWD) of the Office of the Brussels Commissioner for Europe and International Organisations (CEIO) provides administrative assistance to internationals who come to work in Brussels in or around the European and international institutions.

Individual advice and assistance are given by email and telephone as well as on-site. The service is free of charge and provided in three languages : English, French and Dutch. Information of a more general nature about settling in Brussels is available in English on its website www.commissioner.brussels.

In addition to individual consultations, the EWD organises information sessions for specific target groups such as new staff and trainees in the European institutions, the spouses of newly-arrived officials and diplomatic personnel. It has therefore acquired considerable experience in dealing with all issues important for EU-officials and their families.

In order to assure an effective and high-quality service, the EWD works closely with a number of administrations including the Belgian Immigration Office, the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Protocol Department, all Brussels municipalities, as well as the Belgian Ministry of Finance and the Brussels Ministries for Economy and Employment. Its main office is located in the heart of the European Quarter while a branch office is situated in the European Parliament.

Belgium stands ready to reinforce the capacity of the Expat Welcome Desk during the transition from London to Brussels, by temporarily increasing staff levels and by cooperating with a private relocation agency so as to provide a bespoke service to EBA staff and their families. During the transition period (2018 – 2019) an extended and personalised relocation package will be provided, included amongst others facilitating the search for temporary accommodation, one-day property search, settling-in assistance and schooling assistance. These facilities come on top of the myriad of services already provided on a continuous basis by the Expat Welcome Desk.

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HOUSING

Checking of leases in terms of legality, general questions on renting, breaking a lease, settling disputes between landlord and tenant, details on rent indexation and advice on inventories of fixtures.

TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATIONDURING TRANSITION PERIOD

• Assessment of needs• Send assessment form• With completed form, discuss requirements and planning• Screening/short-listing temporary accommodation market to match budget and requirements• Arrange appointments and if applicable visit short listed premises with consultant• Arrange for lease contract, lease guarantee, first rent payment and survey • Tenancy management (i.e. issue resolution) for the first month• Follow-up extension/cancellation• Co-ordinate departure

1-DAY PROPERTY SEARCH AND SETTLING IN DURING TRANSITION PERIOD

• Country Information Pack• Send assessment form• With completed form and subsequent call, discuss requirements• Arrange for hotel or temporary accommodation• Screening/short-listing rental properties to match budget and property requirements• Introduction meeting with explanation of the Country Information Pack• Visits to short listed premises with consultant• Local Area orientation (shops, banks, sport facilities, etc.)• Request lease contract proposal• Negotiation of lease terms and conditions with landlords/real estates• Coordinate the signature of the lease (by proxy if needed)• Coordinate the lease guarantee• Coordinate the first month rent payment• Arrange for and attend the entry survey and follow-up on reports• Co-ordinate the property insurance• Arrange for the connection of all utilities (water, gas, electricity, cable TV, internet, etc.)• Arrange bank appointments• Presentation of complete ‘Housing file and Community Help Service (CHS) Calendar’ on move-in day or shortly after• Call center support for 3 months after move-in date

RELOCATION PACKAGEBY THE EXPAT WELCOME DESK

CHILDREN AND EDUCATION

Information about the education system as well as about European, international and Belgian schools, language courses, day nurseries.

SCHOOLING ASSISTANCEDURING TRANSITION PERIOD

• Assessment of needs• Provide information on available schools• Schedule appointments with schools and accompany family to schools• Organise school registration and bus pick-up• Coordinate payment of school fees (if applicable)

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TRANSPORT

Car registration and importing a vehicle, transit plates, driving licence, resident parking card.

CIVIL STATUS

Procedures concerning cohabitation, marriage, nationality, birth, legalisation of documents.

WORK

Work and internship permits, self-employed status and professional card, domestic work, au pairs.

TAXES

Income tax and tax return form, second residence tax, car registration tax, double taxation.

SOCIALSECURITY

Health insurance, registering with a mutual health company, unemployment, Limosa registration (for foreign workers), pensions, family allowances.

REGISTRATION AND RESIDENCEFORMALITIES

Residence permits, visas, family reunification, special identity card.

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As soon as the decision is taken to move the EBA from London to Brussels, the EBA task force consisting of Belgium’s federal and regional authorities will coordinate the implementation of all aforementioned measures.

REQUIREMENTS TO BE FULFILLED

This criterion is relevant given the critical nature of the services provided by the Agencies and the need therefore to ensure continued functionality at the existing high level. The criterion relates to the timeframe required to fulfil the four criteria above. It concerns amongst other things the ability to allow the Agencies to maintain and attract highly qualified staff from the relevant sectors, notably in case not all current staff should choose to relocate. Furthermore, it concerns the capacity to ensure a smooth transition to the new locations and hence to guarantee the business continuity of the Agencies which should remain operational during the transition.

BUSINESSCONTINUITY

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PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES

The European Banking Authority was originally set up by EC Regulation n° 1093/2010 of 24 November 2010, and became operational on 1 January 2011, upon which date it inherited all of the tasks and responsibilities of the Committee of European Banking Supervisors (CEBS). The Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union (Protocol no. 7, also known as the PPI) is applicable to the European Banking Authority and its staff, according to article 67 of Regulation 1093/2010 of the European Parliament and the European Council. This means that Belgium will be bound to grant the EBA the immunities and the privileges mentioned in the PPI.

As such, the European Banking Authority and its staff will benefit in Belgium from exactly the same treatment as the Institutions of the EU and the European officials. The European Banking Authority itself will have full legal personality under Belgian law (enabling it to open bank accounts, make purchases, hire personnel, etc.) and it will enjoy the usual immunities and inviolabilities (it will have legal immunity and its premises, official correspondence and archives will be inviolable). Full fiscal exemption (of direct and indirect taxes) for its official use will be granted.

The officials of the European Banking Authority will have immunity from legal proceedings in respect of acts performed by them in their official capacity, they will be exempt from Belgian income tax and Belgian social security contributions and they will have the right, if they are not Belgians, to buy, free of VAT, a car and a number of goods during one year following their taking up their functions with the European Banking Authority. In order to benefit from the Protocol, the European Banking Authority only has to register itself and its officials with the Protocol Directorate of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Consequently, signing a new “headquarters agreement” is not strictly necessary. However, Belgium stands ready to sign a text in which the application of the PPI is confirmed, and where insurances are given that the host nation will guarantee the European Banking Authority’s external security.

Belgium is dedicated to delivering the premises in time for the EBA to be fully operational by April 2019. The current building schedule for Regent Park allows for the necessary flexibility to accommodate the requirements of the EBA, whilst adhering to the strict and tight timeframe.

A point of contact for EBA has been established at the Embassy of Belgium in London in order to streamline interaction with the EBA. Belgium stands ready to second a dedicated on-site point of contact to EBA once the decision has been taken to move to Brussels. The seconded official will ensure a smooth and direct line of communication with the EBA staff.

Excellent land, sea and air connections with London will facilitate movement of EBA staff and equipment during the transition phase.

EBA staff will find a welcoming home and stimulating professional environment in Belgium. Belgium’s excellent quality of life is valuable factor to attract and maintain staff and their families. For future recruitments EBA can draw from a large pool of financial experts working in Belgium.

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The proximity of European legislative actors (EU Parliament, Commission and Council) has created a well-developed Brussels ecosystem with all necessary supporting industries for decision makers such as legal, consulting and audit services. Integrating EBA in Brussels will lead to efficiency gains in the decision making process and in translating rules into practice. Furthermore, Belgian authorities focus on governance issues, business model analysis, data privacy and cyber security.

The Belgian financial sector is international by nature: over 80 percent of banks operating in Belgium have foreign headquarters. Most foreign bank offices in Belgium have headquarters in other EU member states, especially in France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Over 700 banks from other EU member states are authorised to carry out financial transactions in Belgium without being established in Belgium. The Belgian banks in turn have 81

branch offices in other countries: three quarters of all Belgian branch offices in foreign countries are located in the EU. A competitive and diverse ecosystem, the Belgian financial landscape consists of large universal banks as well as smaller niche banks, savings banks and other financial players. This rich diversity promotes the development of diverse areas of expertise. The Belgian financial sector is healthy and solid and contributes up to 5.6% to the GDP. Total assets of the financial sector account for 284% of GDP. The monetary financial institutions (MFIs), mostly banks, account for over 46% of the gross added value of the Belgian financial sector.

Moreover, Brussels hosts several global financial players in market infrastructure, such as Euroclear, Bank of New York Mellon and Swift, as well as the European head office of MasterCard. Their presence has allowed the Belgian financial sector to develop a long-standing experience in guaranteeing proper functioning of financial markets.

Extensive stakeholders’ consultation is at the heart of the EBA’s decision making. When consulting on draft technical standards, guidelines or other policy products, the presence of the European Banking Federation and other sector and consumer federations in Brussels will prove to be a facilitating factor in crafting high quality financial rules for the internal market.

The Belgian workforce has one of the highest productivity levels in the EU. Key contributing factors are the quality of the educational system and proficiency in multiple languages. Other attractive assets are the flexibility of the labour force, as well as its versatility and eagerness to learn in changing working conditions. The constructive social dialogue enhances the business climate.

Besides, 35% of the labour force has at least one higher-education degree, well above the OECD average. This pool of talented human capital can help drive the activities of the European Banking Authority forward.

Moreover, Belgium is located at the crossroads of three major European cultures, Germanic, Latin and Anglo-Saxon. Visitors will easily find a host who speaks their language fluently. French, Dutch and German are official languages in Belgium. English is fluently spoken by most Belgians for whom multilingualism is a given. According to EF’s 2016 English Proficiency Index, high proficiency levels of English prove that Belgian schools have managed to include a high level of English instruction in their students’ education, alongside their national languages. In sum, Belgium’s highly-qualified and multilingual workforce clearly meets the needs of an international working environment.

Belgium is known the world over for its excellent quality of life. The social fibre in Belgium is strong and people are open-minded. Belgium offers an exceptionally high standard of living for expatriates and their families with first-class healthcare, high-quality housing at affordable prices and an excellent education system with many international schools. Furthermore, Belgium’s rich cultural heritage and exquisite culinary tradition make living in Belgium an unforgettable experience. In the OECD Better Life Index, Belgium ranks above average in the following categories: work-life balance, income and wealth, housing, civic engagement, education and skills, subjective well-being, health status, jobs and earnings, and personal security.

© VisitFlanders, Milo Profi

The Brussels Greater Area provides the best of both worlds: a dynamic and international European capital with relatively low real estate costs compared to other European cities. Different offerings are available to cater to every taste, from Art Nouveau houses in the centre of Brussels, to modern apartment complexes with all amenities and lush villas in the green suburbs.

With its rich cultural life and historical heritage, Belgium is an attractive place to live. Historical cities like Bruges, Ghent, Liège, Mons, Namur, Antwerp and Brussels welcome a steady stream of tourists. Brussels hosts more than 18,000 cultural events every year. The Belgian capital is also home to 2,000 restaurants, of which 21 boast one or more Michelin stars. With 1,500 different Belgian beer brands on offer, there is ample choice to finish the day with a cold beer. Premium Belgian chocolates can be found on every corner, from high-end shopping streets to metro stations.

The Brussels Greater Area is also a lovely environment to take a walk, with over 8,000 hectares of green spaces, more than half of the region is covered with parks, woodland, forest and sports fields. It has everything to satisfy the needs of shopaholics as well. Its streets and shopping districts are home to fashion venues and flagship shops for every taste, ranging from luxury brands stores to bespoke designer boutiques.

This ‘bon-vivant’ lifestyle does not necessarily come at a high price. The cost of living is lower in the Brussels Greater Area than in most of the other European metropolitan areas. In a survey on the cost of living, Brussels has a more affordable cost of living than 50% of the OECD cities in the affordability rankings.

© VisitFlanders, Milo Profi

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REQUIREMENTS TO BE FULFILLED

This criterion relates to the agreed desirability of geographical spread of the agencies' seats, and to the objective set in December 2003 by the representatives of the Member States, meeting at Head of State or Government level and confirmed in 2008.

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GEOGRAPHICALSPREAD

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The European Council agreed in its conclusions on 13 December 2003 to give priority to Acceding States once they have joined the Union, in the distribution of seats of other offices or agencies to be set-up. The decision on the relocation of the European Banking Authority, as agreed in the margins of the European Council in June 2017, should “be based on specified objective criteria” and have “special regard to the fact that the Agency already exists and that the business continuity of the Agency is vital and must be ensured.” The Belgian offer with its unique location in the heart of the European Union and vibrant financial sector is an excellent way to ensure that.

© Belgaimage

Responsible Editor:

Dirk AchtenRue des Petits Carmes 15

B-1000 Bruxelles

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