Since July 2023, Belgium has had an inter-federal screening mechanism for foreign investment. The FPS Economy, which manages the secretariat for this mechanism, published its first annual report in September. Shortly afterwards, the European Commission also published its fourth report on foreign direct investment in the EU.

In order to explain these reports and the operation of the inter-federal filtering mechanism in more detail, the FEB, in collaboration with VOKA, AKT, BECI and AGORIA, and in cooperation with the FPS Economy, is organising a second information session on the screening of foreign investments. This will take place on Wednesday 11 December from 9.30 am to 12.00 pm.

During this session, the first annual report of the Interfederal Screening Committee and the fourth report of the European Commission will be presented. It will be followed by an interactive round table discussion with experts and government representatives. This is an excellent opportunity to become familiar with the objectives and practical aspects of foreign investment screening at Belgian and European level.

Programme

• 9.00 - 9.30 am: Welcome
• 9.30 - 9.35 am: Introduction by Olivier Joris (Executive Director, Competence Centre Europe & International, VBO)
• 9.35 - 10.05 am: Presentation of the 4th report on foreign investment screening in the EU by Damien Levie (Head of Unit FDI Screening, DG Trade, European Commission)
• 10.05 - 10.35 am: Presentation of the 1st report on the screening of foreign investments in Belgium by Anne Bonet (Director of Investment Screening, FPS Economy)
• 10.35 - 10.50 am: Coffee break
• 10.50 - 11.30 am: Round table on the inter-federal screening mechanism

o Michael Segers, Geoeconomics and Economic Security Analyst, FPS Economy

o Marie-Lien De Herdt, Foreign Direct Investment Screening Expert, FPS Economy

​ ​o Valentine De Boe, Partner, Loyens & Loeff

​ ​o​ Arne Naert, Senior Associate, Backer & McKinsey

o Moderator: Maarten Libeer, VOKA

• 11.30 am - 12 pm: FDI Screening from a broader perspective

o Discussion with Damien Levie (DG Trade, European Commission) and Kevin Verbelen (AGORIA)

• 12 pm: Networking Drink

In partnership with