National Geographic Institute
“The strengthened agreement between the NGI and Belgian Defence now settles the terms of our partnership. It is the result of deep joint reflection aimed at mutually strengthening our capabilities. An important aspect of the agreement is the recognition of the NGI as a strategic partner in its capacity as a Centre of Expertise within Defence and as a contributor to the development of the Defence Geostrategy. It provides a framework for exchange of expertise and personnel mobility, ensuring the continuity of high-quality services needed for the army’s operations.”
Ingrid Vanden Berghe
Administrator General, National Geographic Institute of Belgium
The agreement between the National Geographic Institute of Belgium (NGI) and Belgian Defence was signed on December 2023 by the Chief of Defence, Admiral Hofman and the Administrator General of the NGI, Mrs Ingrid Vanden Berghe.
The public procurement of Belgian Defence awarded to the NGI has recently been replaced by a broader cooperation agreement. To get to this cooperation agreement, many discussions took place over a period of years.
In February 2023, Mrs Vanden Berghe and Vice-Admiraal Robberechts signed a declaration of intent to highlight the close cooperation between the NGI and the General Intelligence and Security Service.
The signing of this declaration constituted an important step that formalised a number of already existing and effective actions on both sides.
It preceded the signing of the more extensive cooperation agreement between the NGI and Defence, which sets
out mutual long-term commitments. The cooperation agreement now aims to maximise the synergy between the NGI and Defence.
Benefits
- Recognises the NGI as a strategic partner within Defence.
- Involves the NGI in the development of Defence’s geostrategy.
- Functioning of the NGI as a centre of expertise through close cooperation and use of scientific expertise available at the Royal Military Academy.
- Provides Defence with new opportunities for cost optimisation as a result of NGI’s reorganisation from geodata producer and integrator to federal geobroker.
- Includes modalities regarding personnel mobility between both institutions through detachment, outplacement, reservists or consultancy services.
- Integrates Defence assignments at the NGI.
- Enables the use of Defence infrastructure by NGI at the Renaissance Campus and the quarters at Peutie and Evere.
- Offers the possibility for the NGI to use certain Defence contracts.