Early 2014, the FAIB launched its quinquennial enquiry amongst some 1600 international based in Belgium, selected from the UIA database according to specific criteria, data analyzed with the support of Bird & Bird.

Here are the major findings:

• The number of international associations (INPAs) based in Belgium is constantly increasing: 2.265 in 2013 vs. 1.972 in 2008;
• 94% of INPAs are based in the Brussels-Capital region representing a 9% increase vs. 2008;
• Most international associations (73%) have chosen the AISBL status;
• VAT registrations went from 35% in 2008 to 67% in 2013;
• European Transparency Registrations reported by 57% of respondents;
• Total estimated annual income of INPAs: € 2.9 billion - origin: 84% abroad, 11% Belgium, 5% EU;
• Total estimated expenditure: € 2.9 billion, of which 84% spent in Belgium, mainly on personnel 56%;
• Estimated direct employment: 31.400, including volunteers (paid staff: 13.400 FTE);
• Place of residence of staff: 64% Brussels region, 13% Flemish region, 11% Walloon region;
• Indirect employment (hotel, restaurant, service providers, etc.): +/- 1.250 per association / year;
• Office space occupied by INPAs: 205.000 m², of which 75.000 m² of meeting space;
• Associations generate some 114.000 day visits to Belgium & approximately 260.000 overnights per year.

Consult the full report, available to all.

The report also contains many more interesting items, notably on the perception by INPAs of Brussels / Belgium as regards staff competence, administration, public transport, environment, availability of meeting / office space, telecommunications and plenty more.

Danièle Vranken