European Commission, European Parliament and the Council
Brussels Hotels & Travel
EU institutions in Brussels
Brussels is the headquarters of several EU organizations/institutions:
- European Commission
- European Council
- European Parliament
location
Most of the institutions are located in the area between Brussels Park, Cinquantenaire Park and Leopold Park. Railway- and metro station Schuman is close by the European Commission and European Council.
European Commission
The European Commission is the EU's executive body. It has the the power to initiate laws, implement EU policies and spend EU funds. The European Commission consist of 27 Commissioners; each EU-country has one member.
The headquarters of the European Commission is located in the Berlaymont building. Address is Schuman roundabout, Rue de la Loi (Wetstraat) 200. Inside the Berlaymont building are:
- President of the European Commission (Jose Barroso)
- The European Commission
- Personnel and Administration
- Bureau of European Policy Advisers
- Communication
- Brussels Office of Infrastructure and Logistics
- Secretariat-General
- Legal Service
European Parliament
The European Parliament consist of 736 members. The members are elected every five years. The European Parliament has legislative power together with the European Council. Only the governments of the member countries or the European Commission have the right to make laws proposals.
The parliament is housed in the Espace Leopold: a complex of several buildings near Leopold Park. In the Paul-Henri Spaak building is the debating chamber. The Brussels-Luxembourg railway station is under the Esplanade (mall) of the European Parliament.
European Parliament, Brussels
European Council
Proposals of the European Commission are examined in the Council, which can make modifications before adopting them. The Council consist of 345 people. The states with the highest populations have the most members. Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom have each 29 members in the Council. Poland and Spain each 27 members. Malta is the smallest with 3 members. The President of the European Council is Herman Van Rompuy.
The Council is located in the Justus Lipsius building opposite the Berlaymont. Address is Rue de la Loi (Wetstraat) 175. Station Schuman (metro/train).
Brussels attractions - Brussels train - Brussels shopping - Brussels nightlife - Brussels restaurants -
Redflag.Info 2002-2011