The Reasons Brussels, Belgium Became the Capital of the European Union
The idea that Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, was chosen as one of the capitals of the European Union (EU) due to the EU's status as a state is a common misconception. In reality, Brussels was selected for a myriad of strategic, historical, and practical reasons, making it an ideal location for the administration and governance of the EU.
The Strategic and Historical Context
Brussels has not been the capital of the EU because the EU is not a country. Instead, the decision to designate Brussels as a key administrative center emerged from the careful negotiation and collaboration among member states during the formation of the European Economic Community (EEC), the precursor to the EU. This context is crucial to understanding why Brussels became such an important hub for Europe's cooperative institutions.
The Location and Geopolitical Considerations
Belgium has long been a strategic location in Europe, with its position as a neutral state playing a significant role in the decision-making process. Traditionally, there are two neutral states in Europe: Belgium and Switzerland. Both countries have historically maintained a stance of non-alignment, which made them suitable candidates for hosting European institutional bodies.
Belgium, in particular, offered a strategic and geopolitical advantage. Unlike Switzerland, which has a mountainous terrain, Belgium's flat landscape, rich in logistics and transportation infrastructure, made it more feasible for the host of various European institutions. Moreover, Brussels' location near the historic Franco-German border (the Décapole or Die Blaue Banane) provided a crucial geographical advantage, as it could serve as a neutral ground for negotiations and cooperation among major European powers.
The Historical Evolution of the EU Capitals
Brussels is not just the administrative center; it is one of the three institutional capitals within the EU. The other two capitals serve specific functions: Luxembourg houses the judicial branch, while Strasbourg hosts the European Parliament. This distribution of roles was designed to ensure a balance of power and to accommodate the diverse needs of the EU's decision-making processes.
Strasbourg, with its rich cultural heritage, was chosen to host the European Parliament, serving as a reminder of the Union's historical and cultural roots. Meanwhile, Luxembourg, with its tradition as a neutral and financial hub, hosts the Court of Justice of the European Union and other critical judicial institutions.
Frankfurt, another German city, is known for hosting the European Central Bank, which underscores the importance of financial stability and cooperation within the EU. This geographical distribution of roles ensures that the EU administration operates seamlessly across different countries, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among member states.
The Triumph of Commonsense over Misconceptions
The assumption that the EU parliament uproots to Strasbourg monthly is a misconception. In reality, Strasbourg serves as a secondary location for the European Parliament, holding sessions there on a rotational basis. This arrangement minimizes travel and operational costs, despite the logistical challenges it presents.
Brussels, on the other hand, remains the primary administrative center, serving as the hub for day-to-day operations and decision-making processes. This strategic location ensures that the EU can function efficiently, with a balance between central administration and regional representation.
In conclusion, Brussels was not chosen because the EU is not a country or due to a desire to mollify one particular country over another. Instead, it was a carefully considered decision based on strategic, geopolitical, and historical factors that made it the perfect location for the EU's primary administrative center. The location of the other EU capitals further enhances the Union's administrative and democratic processes, ensuring a balance of power and uniformity of governance across member states.