Over 40 crafts and professions are taught in the DG under a dual system combining work experience and schooling. The offer ranges from classic craftsman skills, through technical professions to training for service industry jobs.

In March 2000 the Heads of State and Government of the EU member nations agreed an ambitious goal: to make the European Union the most competitive knowledge economy in the world by 2010.

On issues such as economic advancement, employment, youth, tourism, culture, environmental questions, education and health, Europe takes a central place in the life of the DG.

The needs of families, children and senior citizens belong to the so-called "person-related matters" which, subsequent to the various stages of the State reform process, have been transferred from the federal level to that of the Communities. The jurisdiction for "families, children and the elderly" is therefore one of the key competences of the DG, whose policy in these matters is largely autonomous.

Healthcare belongs to the so-called "person-related matters" which, subsequent to the various stages of the State reform process, have been transferred from the federal level to that of the Communities. Thus the DG is responsible for healthcare within its territory.

A small regional state with a low population, such as the DG, relies perhaps more than its bigger sisters on the support of politically mature and engaged citizens: youth advancement projects, particularly participatory programmes, are therefore given particular attention. The DG finances a total of nine youth centres, two youth information offices and nine different youth organisations.

The Media portfolio of the DG involves, on the one hand, the creation and/or support of independent German language media in respect of the right of the region’s citizens to news in their own language.

The East of Belgium is often described as a cultural melting pot. Here in the border lands between Wallonia and Germany, Luxemburg, Flanders and Holland, a colourful cultural landscape has developed over time. History, language and heritage links east Belgium to its different neighbours, while current cultural influences and processes of artistic exchange give rise to new forms of cultural expression.

The field of social policy issues is a wide one. Numerous organisations and institutions operate in this area. Responsibility for most of these lies with the Ministry of the DG’s department of Family, Health and Social Welfare. The financing and monitoring of existent services is managed by the appropriate office within the Ministry.

At the heart of sporting activity in the DG are the roughly 230 clubs and associations. The range of sports and type of enthusiast covered by these is very wide indeed. The clubs are organised at the local level though they may also be linked to one of 14 different specific sports associations.

Tourism is a very important economic element in the DG. This is not surprising, considering that tourists are increasingly looking for leisure time recuperation that is close to home. With its pretty villages, intact natural landscape, the traditions of farming and small-town communities and its legendary hospitality, the DG features an all round quality of life rare in such a central area.

The DG’s economic trump cards are its fortunate geographical position, the linguistic flexibility of its workforce and its experience and willingness to engage in business across national borders. Close access to important road, water and air and rail connections is a further plus point, as is the cultural and leisure climate. All this makes the DG an interesting option for companies looking for an ideal place to relocate their business, set up or extend their activities.