Belgium has been a federal federal government for almost thirty years
Belgium is a federal state. It was in 1993 that the term entered the Belgian Constitution, after a process of institutional reform started in 1970. In fact, it had already been so for many years. The three Communities (Flemish, French and German-speaking) and the three Regions (Flemish, Walloon and Brussels) appeared as the reforms progressed.
These so-called “federated” entities have a Parliament, a government, an administration and the power to enact standards (decrees or ordinances in the Brussels Region). These standards are on the same footing as the laws enacted by the federal level (Chamber). No hierarchy exists between these standards. Each entity also has autonomy over its powers. It is for this reason that the Parliament of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (or French Community) was able to vote the draft decree modifying the school rhythms carried by the French-speaking Minister of Education without having to wait for the other federated entities of the country , having this same skill, doing the same. The Flemings manage Flemish education (in Flanders and Brussels), the German speakers manage German-speaking education and the French speakers manage French-language education (in Wallonia and Brussels).
The Consultation Committee
In order to allow all these entities (Communities, Regions and Federal State) to consult each other if a standard enacted by one of them were to cause problems for one or all of the others, the Consultation Committee was created. (Codeco). At the request of one of them, a point can be placed on the agenda of this committee, which meets on a regular basis. Those who sit there to designate their respective governments are under no obligation to agree.
The different entities can also, if they so wish, ratify cooperation agreements between themselves – as with other States. For example, a few years ago, Wallonia, Flanders and Brussels agreed on the establishment of a kilometer tax mechanism targeting heavy goods vehicles.