Strategic Engagement - A Visit to the Québec Government Office in Brussels
During our recent visit to the Québec Government Office in Brussels, we were welcomed by the Delegate General, Hélène Drainville. This meeting offered a look into a unique form of diplomacy : that of a federated state which, since 1972, has asserted its presence at the heart of Europe to represent Québec’s interests across Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
The "Gallic Village" Spirit
Québec often defines itself as a "Gallic village", a community of 9 million francophones navigating a North American sea of over 300 million anglophones. For the delegation, promoting the French language and culture is more than a diplomatic mission ; it is a matter of cultural survival. This distinctiveness gives Québec a unique standing internationally. At UNESCO, for instance, Québec has its own voice on education, sharing speaking time equally with the Canadian federal government.
An Economic and Scientific Strength
While the United States still accounts for 75% of Québec’s trade, the government is making a strategic push to diversify into European markets. The territory, which is 52 times the size of Belgium, holds major assets for the modern green transition. Notably, Québec possesses 28 of the 32 critical minerals recognized by the European Union.
This collaboration is reflected in practical partnerships, such as the strategic link with the Port of Rotterdam and agreements regarding the "Blue Economy" and the St. Lawrence River. Furthermore, Québec excels in "Science Diplomacy," bolstered by world-class expertise in Artificial Intelligence symbolized by a Nobel Prize-winning researcher from the province.
Leadership and Women in diplomacy
One of the most compelling parts of our discussion was Hélène Drainville’s personal reflection on leadership and the role of women in diplomacy. She noted that women often face a higher degree of self-doubt than their male counterparts. To navigate this, she shared three personal mantras that have guided her career:
"You grow with the chair": You must learn to adapt to the discomfort of new responsibilities to truly find your place.
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained": Accepting the right to make mistakes and acknowledging doubt is an essential part of the journey.
"Aim for the moon; at worst, you’ll land among the stars."
This commitment to change is visible in the delegation itself; the Brussels office is currently majority-female, reflecting the broader goal of gender parity pursued by the Québec government.
Navigating a Changing World
The visit also touched upon complex contemporary issues, such as the restructuring of immigration policies. Facing pressures on housing and healthcare, Québec has adopted a philosophy of "reducing to better welcome," while maintaining a strong focus on youth mobility. Facilitating these "transatlantic jumps" for students and young professionals remains essential to the vitality of the relationship.
Ultimately, Québec’s presence in Brussels demonstrates a diplomacy of influence that bypasses traditional central-state channels. It prioritizes direct, region-to-region contact to build collaborations founded on shared values and complementary expertise.
