North East England in Europe

In April 2007, One NorthEast took over the management of the North East England Office (NEEO) in Brussels.  NEEO is the central point of contact for channelling information and intelligence between the region and a wide range of EU and international organisations.

Established in 1992, it is now a key player in a network of over 300 regional offices from 27 EU Member States and other countries.

It has access to influential EU institutions, including the European Commission, European Parliament and the Council of Ministers, as well as the Committee of Regions.

Who we are

A management board of core funders runs the office, including senior officers from  One NorthEast, the North East Assembly and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

The Association of North East Councils (ANEC) officially observes management board decisions. The management board is chaired by the region’s European Strategy Group.

What we do

One NorthEast operates NEEO on behalf of regional partners and our engagement with the EU via a permanent base in Brussels gives us access to the latest policy intelligence and strategic networking opportunities.

EU policies, legislation and opportunities in innovation, science and technology have a substantial impact on the North East economy and are fundamental to the aims and objectives of the Regional Economic Strategy (RES).

NEEO director Sarah-Jane King leads a small, dedicated team of policy and project specialist advisors.

New premises and services from October 2007

On 9 October 2007, NEEO launched a new range of services from furnished, modern premises located alongside key strategic European partners in the prestigious Montgomery area close to Schuman.

The new management arrangements are a concerted effort to provide an extended, improved service to partners who use the Brussels office.  We now have much greater scope to:

• widen our influence in shaping European policy activity
• promote the region and the economic development priorities of the Regional Economic Strategy at European level
• ensure the region’s needs are taken into account as early as possible
• network with key decision-makers and partners from other European regions.

NEEO’s vision is to provide excellent customer service and the best regional representation for partners in Europe.  It aims to deliver high quality, up to date policy intelligence, opening up strategic opportunities in line with the RES themes: Business, People and Place.

For 2007-08, NEEO will focus on the Business theme, including regional partners´ priorities in innovation, industry and science.

For further information visit the dedicated North East England Office in Brussels website.