Together, the IPO and VNG provide the secretariat service for the Dutch delegation to the Committee of the Regions. The IPO suggests six members and six alternate members; all 12 provinces are represented and provide six delegates and six substitutes to the body. The VNG represents the municipalities at European and international level. In the Committee of the Regions, the VNG provides for six delegates and six substitutes.

The central government represents the Netherlands on all policy issues in the Council. It is only accountable to the States-General.

In 2000, the 12 provinces and the IPO have established in Brussels the “Huis van de Nederlandse Provincies" (House of the Dutch Provinces). Its purpose is to track relevant European policy dossiers, raise awareness and represent regional interests. The VNG has an office in Brussels since 1994. Its present office is located in the European House of Cities, Municipalities and Regions. The G-4 (the four biggest Dutch cities which are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht) opened its own representation in Brussels in 2003.

The VNG participates in the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), United Cities and Local Government (UCLG) (the European section of which is CEMR), the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE). The IPO participates in the CEMR.