European Parliament in Brussels

Brussels (Belgium) is considered the de facto capital of the European Union, having a long history of hosting a number of principal EU institutions within its European Quarter. The EU has no official capital, but Brussels hosts the official seats of the European Commission, Council of the European Union, and European Council, as well as a seat (officially the second seat) of the European Parliament. In 2013, this presence generated about €250 million (8.3% of the regional GDP) and 121,000 jobs (16.7% of the regional employment). One commonly cited reason for Brussels being regarded as the “capital of the European Union” is its location between France, Germany and the United Kingdom, the three countries whose rivalry played a role in starting the two world wars and whose reconciliation paved the way for European integration. Parliament The Espace Léopold or Leopoldruimte is the complex of parliament buildings in Brussels. The oldest building, Paul-Henri Spaak, houses the debate chamber and the president’s offices. The largest building is the Altiero Spinelli. The buildings are located in the European Quarter of Brussels, with construction starting in 1989. The European Parliament is one of the two legislative bodies of the European Union and one of its seven institutions. Together with the Council of the European Union, it adopts European legislation, following a proposal by the European Commission. The Parliament is composed of 720 members, after the June 2024 European elections, from a previous 705 MEPs. It represents the second-largest democratic electorate in the world (after the Parliament of India), with an electorate of around 375 million eligible voters in 2024. The president of the European Parliament is the body’s speaker and presides over the multi-party chamber. The five largest political groups are the European People’s Party Group (EPP), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), Patriots for Europe (PfE), the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR), and Renew Europe (Renew). The last EU-wide election was in 2024. The Parliament’s headquarters are officially in Strasbourg, France, and has its administrative offices in Luxembourg City. Plenary sessions are normally held in Strasbourg for four days a month, but sometimes there are additional sessions in Brussels, while the Parliament’s committee meetings are held primarily in Brussels, Belgium. In practice, the Parliament works three weeks per month in Brussels and one week (four days) in Strasbourg. European Commission The Berlaymont building houses the headquarters of the European Commission — the executive body of the European Union (EU). The building’s distinctive architectural form figures on the European Commission’s official emblem. The building takes its name from the former Berlaymont monastery, which once stood on this site. The European Commission (EC) comprises 27 members, one from each Member State. However, the number of members may change if the European Council takes a unanimous decision. Currently, each Member State nominate one Commissioner, who represent the interests of the EU rather than those of their own country. The President of the Commission, currently Ursula von der Leyen, is elected by the European Council (the Council of Heads of Government) and must be approved by the European Parliament in order to take up their post. The Council of the European Union then appoints the remaining members of the Commission in agreement with the President. The entire Commission undergoes a final vote of confidence in the European Parliament. If the Parliament passes a motion of no confidence by a two-thirds majority, the Commission must resign. European Council The Europa building is the seat of the European Council and Council of the European Union, located on the Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat in the European Quarter. Both the European Council and the Council of the EU have adopted its image as their official emblem. The European Council (informally EUCO) is a collegiate body (directorial system) and a symbolic collective head of state, that defines the overall political direction and general priorities of the European Union (EU). It comprises the heads of state or government of the EU member states, the President of the European Council, and the President of the European Commission. The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy also participates in its meetings. Leaders established the European Council as an informal summit in 1975. The Treaty of Lisbon formally established it as an institution in 2009. Its current president is António Costa, the former prime minister of Portugal. History In 1951, the leaders of six European countries (Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, France, Italy and West Germany) signed the Treaty of Paris, which created the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), and with this new community came the first institutions: the High Authority, Council of Ministers, Court of Justice and Common Assembly. A number of cities were considered. Although Brussels was considered as a possible seat for the new institutions, member states could not reach an agreement. Luxembourg became the provisional headquarters, while Strasbourg hosted the Common Assembly. The 1957 Treaties of Rome created the European Economic Community (EEC) and Euratom, renewing discussions about a permanent seat. Brussels gradually gained support and began hosting key institutions. The Belgian government invested heavily in office space and infrastructure, encouraging European bodies to settle in the city. During the 1960s and 1970s, Brussels became the main seat of the European Commission and the Council. Member states continued to dispute the institutions’ locations. The 1965 Merger Treaty preserved a compromise: Brussels hosted most executive functions. Luxembourg retained the Court of Justice, and Strasbourg remained the seat of the European Parliament. By the 1980s and 1990s, the Parliament increased its presence in Brussels. The 1992 Edinburgh European Council formally confirmed Brussels as the seat of the Commission and Council, while Strasbourg retained Parliament’s official plenary sessions. Since then, Brussels has developed into the EU’s principal political and administrative centre. Location The European Quarter is located in the eastern part of central Brussels, around Leopold Park. You can get there by metro to Schuman or Maelbeek stations (lines 1 and 5), which are located in the center of the quarter. Brussels-Luxembourg train station is also nearby. 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