Brussels: De Facto Capital of the European Union

Apart from its unique location on the European map, Brussels is also renowned as the de facto capital of the European Union. Although the European Union does not officially have a capital, which is understandable given that the EU is a supranational organization, Brussels has been designated as its capital for a variety of reasons. Let's look at the underlying causes.

The first reason is more obvious: Brussels is home to a large number of important EU institutions. The European Parliament, as well as other important EU offices, may be found in one of its iconic quartiers known as the 'European Quarter.' Brussels also serves as the headquarters of the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, and the European Council. However, the designation of the quarter as 'European Quarter' stands out as a separate case to consider. It's fascinating because most civils refers to the quarter as the Leopold Quarter, according to its history. However, once the principal offices of numerous important EU organizations took their position, the area became known as the European.

Furthermore, the choice of Brussels, and hence Belgium, is purposeful. Belgium is widely recognized for being placed between France and Germany. What is fascinating to learn about these two European countries is how they contributed to the two world wars. Furthermore, one of the primary causes of European integration was their reconciliation. 

Another amusing aspect of Brussels' status as the de facto capital of the European Union is that its flag is designed to match the colors of the European Union.

Brussels is also well-known as a major center for political activity. It is the world's second most important diplomatic center, after New York City, which is located on a different and distant continent. Brussels, Europe's diplomatic capital, is home to 120 international organizations and 181 embassies. As a result, the city will be recognized for lobbying. Because of the existence of the EU and other international bodies, there are more diplomats and journalists in Brussels than in Washington, D.C., as noted in 2007.

The most recognizable edifice is the Berlaymont building, which serves as the Commission's central office. It was the first building created for the EU, dating back to the 1960s. Lucien De Vestel, Jean Gilson, André Polak, and Jean Polak designed it, and the Belgian government paid for it. 

Across the Rue de la Loi from the Berlayont is the Europa building, which has served as the offices of the Council of the European Union and the European Council since the beginning of 2017.

Finally, The European Parliament's buildings are in between Leopold Park and the Place du Luxembourg. The whole complex is called "Espace Léopold" (or "Leopoldsruimte" in Dutch) and it has two separate main buildings known to be the Paul-Henri Spaak building and the Altiero Spinelli building. However, the official seat of the European Parliament is not located in Brussels; it is in Strasbourg with its secretariat being in Luxembourg. Nevertheless, the decision-making organs of the Parliament, as well as its committees and occasional plenary sessions, are conducted in Brussels.