Brussels EU: The heart of European politics

Brussels and the EU

Brussels is home to the EU's most important institutions, such as the European Commission, European Council and European Parliament. Established after the Maastricht Treaty of 1993, the EU has successfully integrated 28 European countries into a single political project since is birth. Ranging from the presence of Europe's leading politicians at meetings of the European Council to the constant presence of elected members of the European Parliament, Brussels EU seeks to improve the lives of all Europeans under a common banner of solidarity. Brussels' importance to European politics cannot be overstated.

Arriving in Brussels and The European Quarter

Arriving in Brussels is made easy by travelling to Brussels South train station via the Eurostar from London St. Pancras or by InterCity-Plus connections from Amsterdam and Paris. Journey times are 1 hour 51 minutes, 1 hour 50 minutes and 1 hour 25 minutes respectively. Once in Brussels, multiple public transport options exist including trams and buses. However, the modern and inexpensive metro system is comfortably the most efficient method of travel within Brussels.

It is the European Quarter in which the EU's key institutions are located. The European Quarter of Brussels EU approximates a triangle between Brussels Park, Leopold Park and Cinquantenaire Park, all of which are pleasant green spaces. The European Commission and Council are located by Schuman metro station on the Rue de la Loi, whilst the European Parliament is located by the Brussels-Luxembourg metro station.

Tours and admissions at European Parliament and Commission institutions

The Parliament's distinct ambience is best illustrated by the volume of black cars and trimmed suits visible in and around the building, and are well worth visiting.

Individual admission to the European Parliament is free of charge, and admission is available via arriving at the visitor's entrance 15 minutes before the start of the 10.00 or 15.00 tours from Monday to Thursday, or just 10.00 on Friday. This is, of course, dependent upon Parliament being in plenary session. A legitimate form of identification, such as a passport or driver's license, is needed to gain entry. Individual tours last an hour, whereas group tours last 2 hours. The Parliament advises groups to book two months before the planned visiting date to guarantee entry.

The European Commission allows groups of visitors to tour its Visitors Centre free of charge

These groups must constitute 15 visitors or over, and each group is able to tailor its visit based on their knowledge of the Commission's activities. These range from General Information Visits aimed at groups with no previous knowledge of the Commission's role within the EU, to Specific Information Visits aimed at undergraduate students interested in specific policy areas, both of which last 90 minutes. The reason these visits take place in the European Commission Visitors Centre rather than the Commission Buildings themselves is due to security reasons, and the Commission advises groups looks to book 10 weeks in advance of the visiting date due to the high volume of visit requests it receives.

Local eateries

After finishing a tour of one of the institutions in the European Quarter, Brussels offers many restaurants to indulge in. A real standout restaurant is Gourmand, a French/Italian restaurant and wine bar priding itself on a simple menu and value for money. Price per head ranges from €15 - €29. It is a truly European experience with well-cooked meats, a good wine selection and efficient service, all of which make Gourmand difficult to look past when finishing a morning or afternoon in the European Quarter.

The bars in and around the European Quarter are also worth visiting, particularly as the presence of both modern European bars and traditional Belgian beer halls provides for a variety of watering holes. Piada Bar at Rue de Treves is a modern European bar offering various wines, spirits and long drinks, which can be supplemented by food such as charcuterie boards and sharing platters. Additionally, The Beer Factory is only 0.1 kilometres from the European Quarter in the Place du Luxembourg and specialises, unsurprisingly, in local and regional beers. Drifting in at around 17.30 will allow you to rub shoulders with EU staff, whilst the two-hour long 'Happy Hour' period provides 50% off all drinks. Both of these bars are moderately priced, and make taking a break from Brussels' politics a must!

Author: Sidy Diallo

Guest Relations Manager at the NH Collection Brussels Centre

My name is Sidy DIALLO, I am proud to be the Guest Relations Manager at the NH Collection Brussels Centre, deeply in love with Brussels. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Public Management and a Master's Degree in Administration and Public Policies, I have more than 10 years of professional experience in the world of hospitality. throughout my career I have always worked on numerous issues relating to customer relations. Together with my colleagues from Front Desk and Guest Services we are making sure that all guests have the best experience in our hotel and taking care of their special requests, celebrations and expectations. I get energy from solving problems and doing the best I can and I love that every day is different and full of surprises. I put my face to it, I take personal responsibility for my work, I like to take the hand of those who turn to me and accompany them throughout the experience we build together. It doesn't matter if I am asked a simple question or a request that may seem impossible: my function is to try to satisfy every Desire. I look forward to welcoming you warmly here at NH Collection Brussels Center to offer you a memorable experience!