Brussels: a complement to national capitals

Date: 13/09/01

By Adeline Hinderer

THERE are two dimensions to a capital: one of them is administrative, the other one is more subjective and emotional.

A capital is first of all the seat of the official institutions and a place for decision-making. Despite the fact that some institutions are partly or totally in other cities, Brussels is undoubtedly in the collective mind the place where most decisions regarding the EU are taken and most of the work of the European institutions is done on a day-to-day basis.

However, there is still room for improving the prominence of the institutions in Brussels. It is true that when the Berlaymont reopens, the institutional Council-Parliament-Commission triangle will be materialised by three specific buildings.

However, their prominence could be further enhanced with attractive panels at their entrance, explaining the role of each institution in the decision process, presenting its organisation and its members. This is particularly true for the buildings of the Commission spread out throughout the city.

Also, it is worth noting that the European Parliament is the only institution that visitors can easily access. While opening the Council and Commission buildings to the public would probably be difficult, it would be possible to create visitors' centres nearby providing a virtual visit, with views of everyday life within the institution. This would be a way to bring the institutions closer to the citizens.

Regarding the second dimension of a capital, emotional and subjective, Brussels should aim at becoming the capital of Europe in the heart of all Europeans. Several actions can be envisaged in this respect.

There are some practical details of life in Brussels for "European expatriates" that may make a difference. Physical connections with various countries are, on the whole, well developed and it is important to ensure travel to Brussels from any of the capitals is easy and convenient. This is particularly true with a view on enlargement.

Also, taking into account that many Europeans move to Brussels to work in the institutions or in matters related to the EU, administrative procedures such as the registration in the city or one of its communes should, as much as possible, be eased so that coming to Brussels becomes a very simple process.

The city remains little known by many Europeans and one can think of educational activities to increase knowledge about the capital of Europe and change some of the clichés of Brussels as a bureaucratic and opaque city. Class field trips to Brussels could for instance be further developed to give young Europeans the chance to visit the city and discover the institutions and their functions.

The capital of Europe has a unique nature because it complements national capitals. Just as one can feel French and European at the same time, one must be able to feel at home both in one's home capital and in Brussels.

There would be several ways to feel the spirit of the whole Europe in Brussels. There should be exhibitions in the metro stations, for instance, in the airport and train station, as reminders of the member states and their connection to Brussels. Europe's richness is also its cultural diversity, and a key ingredient for the capital of Europe is to host cultural events inspired by the fifteen member states.

Brussels should be a place with opportunities to discover European cultures, thanks to festivals and arts such as theatre, music, dance, or cooking. The city could also work with the embassies for the national days of each EU state so as to be associated with events promoting the traditions of the countries for this day.

Also, when Europe enlarges, Brussels would be an ideal place to host various events and exhibitions related to these countries and their culture.

Brussels should also be a city that brings Europeans together and represents common values. As for the building of the European nation states, symbols can play an important role.

Existing symbols of the EU such as the European flag can be found in many places in Brussels. Europe's day on the 9th of May is a great occasion to hold celebrations within the capital of Europe. Yet many other initiatives are possible: why not hold every year in Brussels an awards ceremony for the 'Europeans of the year', having contributed to a more united Europe ?

Last but not least, it would be important to have an architectural piece symbolising Brussels as the capital of Europe, just as the Cinquantenaire Arch represents Brussels as the capital of Belgium. However, this piece should be different from traditional buildings, to express the city's unique nature.

Because the EU is in constant transformation, this monument should be thought of as an open and transparent forum to stimulate inspiration and debate on the future of the EU.

To represent the European diversity the monument could include pictures of Europeans, young as well as old. Ideally, the monument would not be located far from the centre of the city, so as to be easily seen by visitors. This symbol will reach its aim if while walking through it, visitors decide to simply take a break and enjoy the view, as many do when they cross the Grand Place.

• Adeline Hinderer, 23, works for CSR Europe, a business network promoting social responsibility. She has recently graduated from the College of Europe in Bruges with a master's degree.

A runner-up in the European Voice 'Brussels: a Capital for Europe' essay contest.