As of September 2009 VNO-NCW cooperates closely with MKB-Nederland through a shared work organisation situated in The Hague. In 2008 VNO-NCW and MKB-Nederland decided to further intensify their existing cooperation, retaining complete independence of the two associations and their board structures. The secretariat of approximately 200 staff carries out most of the work of representation and service provision. The secretariat is divided into six policy groups and various departments.
VNO-NCW also has an office in Brussels (since 1991) headed by a permanent representative. The offices of VNO-NCW and MKB-Nederland in Brussels will merge as of January 1th 2010. The office is the link between Brussels policy-making and headquarters in the Malietoren in The Hague. Four main tasks are dealt with:
- The monitoring and analysis of developments in Brussels policy and the provision of relevant information on this to the management and staff of the respective members of the VNO-NCW.
- The opening of doors for the members of VNO-NCW in the Brussels lobby.
- Lobbying activities, together with or in cooperation with VNO-NCW specialists or members, with regard to subjects of specific interest to the Dutch business community.
- The backing of and participation in the BUSINESSEUROPE lobby, with regard to subjects of interest to the entire European business community.