Flanders has an ageing population exceeding 6 million people, living at very high density. It is an umbrella term for Belgium’s Flemish Community, comprising the northern half of Belgium and the Dutch-speaking inhabitants of Brussels. There is a Flemish Parliament and Government with many regional competences. Without natural resources, processing industries are vital, making it a key economic region within Europe. Its exports comprise 80% of Belgium’s GDP. Agriculture is minor, culture and tourism very important. The global financial and economic crisis is a key concern. There are important social and environmental concerns. In a highly multilingual community, the promotion of Flemish culture remains significant.

What does Flanders do with Pascal?

Flanders funds the Pascal's PURE study its region.

Flanders has provided a member of the Consultative Review Group for the PURE study in Helsinki Metropolitan Area (Jan Geens).