How to improve the EU quarter in Brussels?

The digital participation platform “Brussels Voice Live here. Speak, hear” was launched by the Regional government (Commissioner.brussels and the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region) with the goal to involve international Brusselers and give them a say in the life of our city. The project focuses on four main questions where expats can contribute greatly – exploring the best way to welcome international Brusselers, improvement of the European Quarter, giving international residents a voice, and identifying some of the most urgent issues according to the internationals living in Brussels.

How can we improve the EU District in Brussels?

The platform gives a chance to expats to give their proposals on these four topics and to debate with other internationals about their life in the city. Some of the most interesting proposals so far came in regard with the improvement of the European Quarter. The EU Quarter is a living part of Brussels, not a form of “bubble” as it is often portrayed. Also, this area has been heavily affected by the ongoing pandemic (read more about this) and authorities need to ensure that this part of the city continues to develop and transform as an integrated part of Brussels.

These are some of the interesting proposals to transform the EU District and make it better:

• Making the space for housing instead of office
• Connecting the European Parliament with Schuman with a PARK
• Make the Schuman roundabout greener
• More greenery and proper bike lanes in Rue de la Loi
• More street art & creativity in the EU District
• Build a tunnel to eliminate the traffic at Schuman roundabout
• European Esplanade on Place Lux – Back to the 60’s
• Community Laneways: Pedestrianised spaces for connection
• New life for non-used empty buildings
• Pedestrianize place Lux & do more weekend events

Transforming ideas into political recommendations

In this first phase of this project, International Brusselers have the chance to make their voice heard and suggest ideas to the regional government. In this second phase of the project, the proposed ideas will be voted on. The ideas with the most votes will pass to the next phase where ideas are upgraded to full-fledged recommendations for the Brussels Regional Government.

In a series of physical participation sessions during second part of October 2021, the ideas with the most votes will be transformed into fully-fledged recommendations together with the international Brussels audience.

In November, the closing event is planned as the final part of our journey. The recommendations will be presented and the ‘Manifesto of the international Brusseler’ will be handed over to the government. Ideas that fall within other competences are also handed over to the appropriate authority levels.

Have your say – participate in the Brussels Voice platform. You can also join our Facebook group for people living & working in the EU quarter.

More info on the Live here. Speak, here. project.