Only 20 kilometres south of the Antwerp region lies Brussels. Brussels - capital of Belgium, administrative capital of the European Union. In a thousand years (Brussels celebrated its millennium in 1979) the city has gained a status as a thriving political and business centre... a city of worldwide importance. Today it is the headquarters of the European Union, headquarters of NATO, host to some 160 embassies and trade missions, and home to a wide variety of other international organizations, associations and businesses.



European politicians, international lobbyists and European headquarters for multinational companies have re-shaped the city’s cultural and business life. Brussels hosts a wide range of international trade fairs, exhibitions and conferences, as well as headquarters operations, ranging from European lobbying, to marketing and sales offices. It is well-connected for both communications and travel. Its international airport at Zaventem offers regular and frequent flights to a large number of destinations around the globe. In addition, the city is on the European high-speed train network, providing rapid rail services to amongst others Amsterdam, Cologne, London and Paris.

Cultural Heritage

Brussels is a city with rich architectural and artistic traditions. It has five royal academies of fine arts and five royal conservatories. Internationally renowned festivals include the Queen Elisabeth classical music competition, Europalia and the Brussels Jazz Rally. The Grand Place, or central square, is considered a jewel of its type, while notable buildings include the Royal Palace, the Cathedral (13th to 15th century), the Church of Notre-Dame de la Chapelle (begun in 1210) and the symbolic Atomium.