The State Representation
The State Representation acts as something like an embassy for Rhineland-Palatinate in the capital city of Berlin and the European metropolis of Brussels. Much like a hinge, it moves information from Berlin and Brussels to Mainz and vice versa. State representations are a special feature of German federalism with a long tradition. The Representation of the federal state Rhineland-Palatinate has acted as an interface to federal politics since 1949 and to politics at the European level since 1987. This is why it is present in Berlin, Brussels and Mainz. In organisational terms, the State Representation is part of the State Chancellery.
The German Parliament (Bundestag) and Federal Council (Bundesrat) are the two legislative chambers in Germany. In the Bundesrat, the chamber of the Federal States, they directly influence legislation for Germany. The State Representation votes on these decisions in Berlin for the State government and promotes the State’s initiatives. It works closely with the Bundestag, the Federal Government and other State Representations
Decisions of the European Union affect Rhineland-Palatinate more and more strongly. The Representation of the federal state in Brussels deals with all European policy matters of the State in connection with the organs of the European Union. The staff at the Representation in Berlin are involved in the preparation of European policy decision-making processes in the Bundesrat and are in contact with the Federal Government and the Bundestag.
With a variety of events, exhibitions and concerts in Berlin and Brussels, the State Representation is also a cultural, political and economic showcase for Rhineland-Palatinate. It represents Rhineland-Palatinate on the political stage in Berlin and Brussels. At the same time, it promotes Rhineland-Palatinate to its guests, often assisted by its culinary specialities
As modern, self-confident and open as the State itself, Rhineland-Palatinate presents itself in Berlin with a new building(virtual tour) from 2000 (address). The Representation in Brussels is located in a late-19th-century villa in the European Quarter.