As Brussels is introduced in conversations, many will make the unconscious link to its delicious waffles, traditional beers, and maybe even fictitious characters such as Hercule Poirot and Tintin. Yet Brussels, a partly French-speaking island encircled by Dutch-speaking territory, has predominantly made a name for itself as the European capital. With its slightly un-nationalist native population, Brussels managed to swiftly and seamlessly integrate itself into international affairs, enabling the city to become the hotspot of European conventions and EU representatives. In modern times, politics, business and Brussels are nouns that now form the holy trinity of Belgium affairs. However, the relationship between Brussels and the EU stems from must deeper historical factors.
A small glimpse into Brussels’ History
Brussels owes its historic birth to Duke Charles who, in 979, decided to pass the relics of Saint Gudula from Moorsel to the Saint Gaugericus Chapel located in Brussels. Although the Chapel was later moved, the cultural and historical power it bestowed gave birth to what we now know as one of the most inter-connected foreign affairs cities in Europe.
It could be argued that the road to Brussels’ current geo-political situation and architectural appearance began in 1695. At the time, the city had been attacked by King Louis XIV’s troops who bombarded the city’s heart, destroying over 4,000 houses. Historical buildings such as the Grote Market and Grand Place were not spared from the damage as one-third of the city was razed. This chaos engendered the Belgian Revolution, in 1830, forcing the Dutch emperor William I to flee the country in fear of the independence struggle. This allowed Leopold I to take the throne and become the first Belgian king. The city’s long road to full reconstruction began. New and impressive buildings were constructed, whilst the city walls were demolished. Foreign philosophers, poets, scientists, and artists were encouraged to relocate to Brussels in hopes of galvanising the city’s regrowth and re-population. International congresses later took the opportunity to settle and grow homogeneously with the city.
The socio-cultural personality of Brussels and its inhabitants is now a by-product of its unique history. Bruxellois (natives of Brussels) are described as “profoundly human” by the local tourist office website. It could be added that Bruxellois are predominantly unpretentious; this sense of humbleness to them has been a catalyst for the formation of strong trade relationships.
How and why did Brussels grow to become the capital of the EU?
The imaginable homogeneity between Brussels and the EU was undoubtedly investigated before the European Union headquarters was planted on Belgium soil. The city of Brussels was home to many strategic geopolitical advantages, making it a potentially ideal location.
Brussels is located in the heart of Europe, with many trade routes and relationships already established. This was a result of Belgium's economy being dependent on trade. Business and Brussels became key aspects that attracted prominent European decision-makers and opinion leaders. Further thanks to its international trade agreements, the metropolis was home to a highly international and skilled talent pool, making it ideal for knowledge-based economies, business and the EU. An attractive factor that was not as publicised but thoroughly observed nonetheless was the quality of life, which Brussels excelled at cultivating. Being an affordable city at the forefront of its transition towards a sustainable economy, the city offered an excellent quality of life.
Observing all the above factors highlights Brussels as the most ideal location to build the EU headquarters. Therefore, it could be thought that these are what convinced the EU to settle in this city.
However, we can let you in on a little secret; Brussels was primarily chosen as the unofficial European capital because Belgium started with a ‘B’...
In 1957, the treaty that formally shaped the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Community for Atomic Energy (Euratom) was signed in Rome, leaving the representative democrats wondering where to host these newly found organisations. As the they struggled to settle down in a chosen city, the first government officials were being hired and the fast-approaching opening date was creeping up. This resulted in an emergency meeting which concluded that the new institutions would be chaired in turn by the ministers of all six member states. It was decided that the order would be chosen alphabetically, making ’B'elgium the first host. From then on, the city invested in the rent of multiple offices, creating a snowball effect entrenching Brussels and the EU to form one.
As a result, although Brussels demonstrates key factors that enable it to remain a strong candidate and host to the EU headquarters, it was not originally chosen for its attractive features. It was rather chosen because of the representatives’ incapability to decide which city should become the European capital.
Brussels, a polycentric and opportunistic European Capital
Brussels is now home to the day-to-day activities of the European Parliament, the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and the Committee of Regions (CoR). However, it would be erroneous to believe that the city of Brussels did not carry its load of disadvantages, forming hurdles in the path to the development of the EU. Therefore, the still-evolving European institution has planted formal commissions and agencies in other cities across Europe, making them official seats. The European Agency of Reconstruction in Thessaloniki, and the European Environment Agency (EEA) in Copenhagen serves as a prime examples of the scattered placement. To a certain extent, the EU has decentralised its capital by spreading some of its headquarters over multiple areas. Thus, when observed in greater detail, Brussels should not be called the sole capital of the EU, but rather the centre point of a polycentric EU capital system.
Although Brussels cannot truly be considered the capital of the European Union, it does not exclude it from being the capital of Europe. The EU has invested in meticulously designing its headquarters in the respective capital city in hopes of asserting national identity. In doing so, they have put less emphasis on the design and imagining of capitals outside their territory. This has made business in Brussels attractive for investors as the strong EU investment creates a steady business growth environment that is more likely to resist economic fluctuations. This creates an opportunistic capital for business and Brussels. The city, and country’s, previously established proficient trade relations, now coupled with a knowledge-based workforce and political attractiveness, render it a powerful player in Business and the EU. It may, therefore, shamelessly be named the unofficial capital of Europe.
With its fascinating history, modern architecture, and unique culture, Brussels not only attract EU democrats but also adventure loving visitors. Why not come to Brussels and explore our portfolio of serviced apartments to find out for yourself what this diverse city has to offer.
Give us a call or make an enquiry and SilverDoor will find you the ideal accommodation for your business travels to this vibrant city.
