ABSTRACT
In common with other European federations, the regional tier in Belgium has a formal role in national decision making. The second chamber of the Belgian federal parliament (the Senate) is an assembly of Communities and Regions, in practice if not in name, as shown in Table 4.2 (Alen and Ergec, 1998, p 29). As part of the reforms of 1994, it was reduced from 184 members to a mere 75. The reforms also significantly altered (and reduced) its role in the legislative process. Its primary purpose is now to represent Regional and Community interests at the federal level and to act as a limited chamber of reflection, although it may still initiate legislation (Leonard, 1992, p 24). Its most significant power is the ability to delay legislation by 60 days at the request of a mere 15 members. During this time amendments may be proposed, but the power of approval remains with the lower house. Senate approval is only required in four specific circumstances (Art 77, Belgian Constitution):
(a) changes to the constitution;
(b) linguistic laws;
(c) legislation which purports to grant powers to international or supranational organisations;
(d) the organisation of the judiciary.
