Brussels

Brussels, officially the Brussels-Capital Region, is a region of Belgium comprising 19 municipalities, including the City of Brussels, which is the capital of Belgium. The Brussels-Capital Region is located in the central portion of the country and is a part of both the French Community of Belgium and the Flemish Community, but is separate from the Flemish Region and the Walloon Region, located less than 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) to the south. Historically Dutch-speaking, Brussels saw a language shift to French from the late 19th century. Nowadays, the Brussels-Capital Region is officially bilingual in French and Dutch, although French is the majority language and lingua franca. Brussels is also increasingly becoming multilingual. English is spoken widely and many migrants and expatriates speak other languages as well.
brussels

Some of the key events about Brussels

  • 1695
    French troops bombarded the city, destroying a third of its buildings
  • 1830
    Brussels became the capital of the newly independent Belgium
  • 1847
    The Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert, Europe's first covered shopping arcade, opened
  • 1893
    The Art Nouveau movement flourished, transforming the city's architecture
  • 1897
    The Palais de Justice, one of the largest buildings constructed in the 19th century, was completed
  • 1914
    German forces occupied Brussels during World War I
  • 1940
    Nazi Germany invaded and occupied Brussels during World War II
  • 1958
    Brussels hosted the World's Fair, introducing the iconic Atomium structure
  • 1958
    A major fire destroyed the World's Fair exhibition hall, injuring dozens
  • 1967
    NATO headquarters was established in Brussels
  • 1967
    A devastating fire at the Innovation Department Store killed 322 people
  • 1977
    The European Economic Community (precursor to the EU) made Brussels its provisional headquarters
  • 1985
    The Heysel Stadium disaster occurred, resulting in 39 deaths and hundreds of injuries
  • 1989
    The Brussels-Capital Region was formed, granting the city more autonomy
  • 2000
    Brussels was designated as one of the European Capitals of Culture
  • 2009
    The Magritte Museum opened, showcasing the world's largest collection of the surrealist artist's works
  • 2016
    Coordinated terrorist attacks at Brussels Airport and Maalbeek metro station killed 32 civilians
  • 2017
    A failed terrorist attack occurred at Brussels Central Station
  • 2018
    Brussels experienced severe flooding due to heavy rainfall, causing significant damage
  • 2020
    Brussels was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to lockdowns and economic hardship

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Brussels Latest news

Top US diplomat rushes to Europe as Ukraine aid hangs in balance

Top US diplomat rushes to Europe as Ukraine aid hangs in balance

US Secretary Blinken heads to Brussels for key talks about Ukraineʼs military support. His European mission comes right after election results that might change US foreign policy direction

Society, Politics • November 12 2024 , 03:03 PM  •  712 views
Europe's quiet strategy shift as Trump heads back to White House

Europe's quiet strategy shift as Trump heads back to White House

European nations dont wait for surprises this time preparing defense plans way before US election results. Unlike eight years ago continent shows readiness for potential changes in trans-atlantic relations

Politics • November 6 2024 , 02:06 PM  •  630 views
How prepared is Europe for another Trump-style leadership in America?

How prepared is Europe for another Trump-style leadership in America?

Europe faces new challenges as US elections approach‚ with preparations already in motion for possible changes in trans-atlantic relations. Current global conflicts and power-shifts make European position more complex

Economics, Politics • November 6 2024 , 12:27 PM  •  553 views
Top EU and US leaders skip major climate meeting - here's what it means

Top EU and US leaders skip major climate meeting - here's what it means

Key world figures wont attend the upcoming climate summit in Azerbaijan due to local commitments. The absence of high-ranking officials might affect important climate-funding decisions

Society, Politics • November 5 2024 , 04:29 PM  •  1811 views
EU Parliament prepares for unusual executive branch selection process

EU Parliament prepares for unusual executive branch selection process

Brussels gets ready for major leadership screening as European Commission nominees face tough questions. Right-wing shift in EU politics adds extra weight to upcoming five-day hearing process

Politics • November 3 2024 , 07:28 AM  •  1253 views
Small Italian island makes unexpected u-turn in green energy plans

Small Italian island makes unexpected u-turn in green energy plans

Sardinia stops all new wind-power and solar projects‚ choosing gas over renewables. This local decision creates ripples across Europeʼs climate goals while showing growing resistance to green-energy transition

Economics, Politics • October 31 2024 , 03:06 PM  •  797 views
Italian island turns its back on green energy, raising eyebrows across Europe

Italian island turns its back on green energy, raising eyebrows across Europe

Sardiniaʼs local govt blocks new wind-farms and solar panels‚ choosing gas over renewables. This decision creates problems for EU climate goals and shows growing resistance to green energy plans

Economics, Politics, Science • October 31 2024 , 02:40 PM  •  828 views
US election might shake up global money system - here's what Europe plans

US election might shake up global money system - here's what Europe plans

Global financial system faces big changes as US election approaches. European countries prepare back-up plans to protect their money interests while BRICS nations create new payment methods

Economics, Politics • October 30 2024 , 10:25 AM  •  1091 views
How Trump's possible comeback makes world rethink dollar dependency

How Trump's possible comeback makes world rethink dollar dependency

Global financial system faces new questions as US election approaches. European nations and BRICS look for ways to protect their economic interests from possible changes in US dollar policy

Economics, Politics • October 30 2024 , 10:21 AM  •  926 views
Hungarian leader ignores EU criticism while supporting Georgian elections

Hungarian leader ignores EU criticism while supporting Georgian elections

Hungarian PM Viktor Orban made an unexpected trip to Georgia despite EU ministers disapproval. His visit came right after disputed local elections which caused street protests in Tbilisi

Society, Politics • October 29 2024 , 08:51 PM  •  3195 views