The European district
The European Quarter today
Several European institutions and numerous lobbying offices are located in the Quartier Leopold. The so-called European District will undergo a radical transformation in the future. The Brussels Government aims to turn this monofunctional neighbourhood into a liveable and mixed, low CO2 zone. An ambitious master plan was approved in 2008. The architect De Portzamparc submitted a design for the redevelopment of the trunk road, Rue de la Loi, around a new type of city, with denser housing, new green spaces, fewer cars, more residences and businesses.
Information about the planned redevelopment of the European District can be found on the website of the Agence de développement territorial pour la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale (ADT), with details on all projects.
The History of the European Quarter
The European institutions have changed the face of Brussels over the past fifty years, particularly in the 19th century Leopold Quarter. Originally conceived as an exclusive residential district located just outside the city walls, this neighbourhood has come to be dominated by modern glass-and-steel office buildings occupied by the European institutions. In Europe’s early days, however, there was no question of Brussels as ‘capital’. Brussels was initially only the temporary seat for the administrative services of the European Community. Read more.
Interesting studies on the history of the European Quarter:
- Thierry DEMEY, Brussels, Capital of Europe, Badeaux, 2007.
- Yann GALL, Brussels, capital region for 450 million inhabitants, 2005 (send an email to email@example.com if you want to receive a copy).