There are few modern buildings in the world in which each architectural element symbolizes something. Among them, the grandiose "Berlemont" in the shape of a cross with four spread wings. And, of course, the new "Europe" with a facade of old wooden frames, bought throughout Europe. Meet the headquarters of the European Union in Brussels.
European quarter and its inhabitants
On paper, the words “EU headquarters” look compact. In real life, the EU will not even fit in any of the buildings in the world. Its seven institutes are scattered in separate structures that were built in the very center of Brussels. Now the complex in which the EU headquarters is located is called the European Quarter. Every day a lot of people come to it with different tasks:
- European officials come to work, there are more than thirty thousand of them.
- Guests and business visitors arrive to participate in conferences and meetings: every day their number is several times more than the number of stationary employees.
- And, of course, the whole stream of tourists - look at the EU headquarters in Brussels and get a lot of emotions.
European Union Structure
We will deal with the structure of the European Union. It consists of seven main institutions:
- European Council.
- Council of the European Union.
- European Commission.
- European Parliament.
- Court of Justice of the European Union.
- European Court of Audit.
- European Central Bank.
Each of the institutes has its own building with its own history and special symbols. There are two exceptions. The European Parliament is the richest office division: it has a stylish building in Brussels, a luxurious modern atrium in Strasbourg and another administrative office with a plenary hall in Luxembourg.
The poorest institutions are the European Council and the EU Council. They have to cram in one room, but which one ... Everyone would be so cramped ... Let's start with them.
The new "Europe" with old window frames
No mistake, it was wooden frames taken from old window openings. Exactly 3750 pieces. Three years ago, the European Council and the EU Council moved to the long-awaited new building called "Europe" with a unique facade from these frames. The concept of architectural design is symbolic and very beautiful.
The fact is that one of the EU's energy conservation initiatives related to replacing window frames with double-glazed windows in old buildings. In the course of this replacement, old frames were bought up throughout Europe to become part of the facade of the new EU headquarters with state-of-the-art construction technologies after processing.
Here it is, the new symbolism that is so loved at the headquarters of the European Union: the diversity of cultures, the continuity of history and the saving of energy resources. The entire roof of "Europe" is covered with photovoltaic panels. And the main glass atrium is carefully built into the old government building dating back to the early 20th century.
Burlemont for the European Commission: 28 commissioners and company
Burlemont is a truly grandiose house. It employs more than three thousand employees of the European Commission. It can be seen, the dimensions of the building are huge, and the total area is more than 240 thousand square meters. There are 33 conference rooms, 47 high-speed elevators, and 123 escalators. Restaurants can feed two thousand people each.
The Berlemon shape is a four-pointed cross with wings of different lengths, this building cannot be confused with anything.
The main advantage of the office of the European Commission is its unique internal atmosphere, there is no other like that, it is a wonderful huge anthill. There is an explanation for this; it lies on the surface.
28 commissioners, 28 commissions, 28 countries - all this is the European Commission, the highest executive body, the Council of Ministers. Its composition changes every five years, and the main function is to consult with national governments on a common policy in all areas of activity. Each EU country in a five-year period is responsible for its own area of ​​work - its own committee.
To be able to rise above small-town national interests for strategic effective decisions at the level of 28 countries is not an easy task. Overcoming long-term stereotypes, integrating into a supranational structure - all this is possible in the huge "Berlemont".
European Parliament: EU's main nomads
It is important here not to confuse the buildings and locations of parliamentarians. For a long time, they complained about their plight of the nomads, called for an end to the “traveling circus,” and still have not done so. Exactly 766 deputies with their assistants and the administrative apparatus move from place to place every time, which costs European taxpayers considerable amounts.
The Brussels Parliament Building is a magnificent example of modern glass architecture with streamlined shapes. Deputies sit in it more often than in France, but it is not considered the main office, but only a branch of the European Parliament.
This is one of the few buildings in the EU where visits by tourists are practically unlimited.
Brussels is a magnificent European city with an old history. But tourists are first of all interested in where the headquarters of the European Union are. Because it has become a major attraction in the capital of Belgium. In full right.