This is where EU decisions are made. Anyone can discover it in person in Brussels.

 

Two important dates. For this reason alone, it is worth a visit to Brussels, where the European Council and the Council of the EU buildings are the place where the decisions that will determine the future of the EU’s countries are taken.

Hungary joined the European Union just 20 years ago, in 2004. The Council of the European Union – more commonly known as the Council – is one of the EU’s key institutions and, together with the Parliament, forms the legislative body of the European Union (EU). While the European Council is made up of the Heads of State or Government of the 27 EU countries, the Council of the European Union (more commonly known as the Council) is made up of national ministers from each EU country. The different roles of the two bodies are illustrated by the fact that, while the European Council sets the EU’s overall policy direction and priorities, it does not adopt EU laws. The Council of the EU, on the other hand, negotiates and adopts legislation, usually together with the European Parliament. Both the European Council and the Council represent the positions of EU governments in the Union.

 

The presidency of the Council of the EU rotates every six months, and for us Hungarians it is particularly topical that Hungary will take over the presidency between July and December 2024. Our country will be followed by Poland in the first half of 2025 and Denmark in the second half. In a diverse Europe, this is also important because each Presidency brings its own approach, shaping the agenda and guiding the discussions that will further European development.

Although the European Council and the Council of the European Union are two separate institutions, both are based in the same building in the heart of Brussels. The Council welcomes all those interested to learn about the day-to-day work of the European Union’s key institution.

 

Building Europe: past, future, sustainability

The Europe Building, home of the European Council and the Council of the European Union, is the jewel in the crown of the European quarter of the Belgian capital Brussels, a city of magnificent beauty. Situated on Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat, the building’s distinctive feature is the multi-storey ‘lantern’ structure housing the main meeting rooms, a representation of which is used as the official emblem of the European Council and the Council of the European Union.

The Europe Building, which is embedded in the renovated Block A of the Residence Palace, is also unique in that its exterior combines the original 1920s listed Art Deco façade of the building with a contemporary design by architect Philippe Samyn. The ultramodern building, which links the past with the future, also symbolises the EU’s commitment to sustainability: its 3,750 windows are framed with recycled wood from EU Member States, the building is equipped with 600 solar panels and uses rainwater.

The House of Member States is for everyone

Anyone planning a visit to the Europe Building, popularly known as the ‘House of Member States’, will not be disappointed by this unique architectural experience. Not to mention it’s the place where EU countries work together and decide on EU policies. A visit to the Council is therefore a great opportunity to get a glimpse into the world of the Council, discovering the place where EU leaders meet.

Anyone can visit the European Council and the Council of the EU. Admission is free but prior registration is required. Most visits can be booked between 9:00 and 11:00 and 13:30 and 16:00 on weekdays. The Visitors’ Centre and the public areas of the Council, which offer an exciting multimedia experience, can be visited without a guide. However, if you are coming with a group of 20 or more people, you can request a tailor-made visitor programme.

Visitors can also take part in a guided tour of the Council buildings, which takes place every Friday morning at 8.00 a.m. The tour gives participants a behind-the-scenes look at the Council and the distinctive lantern-shaped interior of the Europa building. The walks last about an hour and are conducted in French and English.

The Council is open from Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 16.00 (but only from 10.00 to 13.00 in August). The Visitors’ Centre is closed on certain Belgian public holidays and on EU institution public holidays.

Useful information for your visit

Plan your visit by pre-registering:

• Visitors’ Centre and weekly guided tours: register at least seven working days in advance
• Information presentations for groups of 20 or more: register at least 20 working days before your visit

For more details and to book an appointment, click here and to find out more about the European Council and the EU Council, click here.

The next time you’re in Brussels, why not step into the world where European leaders meet and make decisions that shape our common future? The European Council and the Council of the EU welcome you to discover the heart of Europe!

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