A synecdoche is when a part of something refers to the whole. Brussels operates as a synecdoche for the European Union, with media often using ‘Brussels’ in place of the ‘European Union’ itself. This is because Brussels has become intertwined with the European Union and its constituent organisations within the popular consciousness. Since the beginning of the European project, Brussels has been linked with the European institutions and people have come to think of them as intrinsically linked. Whilst Europe has no official capital city, Brussels lays claim to being the unofficial capital of the EU.

Firstly, it's important to note that Belgium was one of the founding members of what has become the European Union, signing the Treaty of Rome in 1950 that began the European Coal and Steel Community. With its long history of neutrality, Belgium represented a good location for the seat of any institutions, particularly given the history of suspicion between France and Germany. It is this that has ensured Belgium has retained its role as host of the European Parliament throughout the history of the institution. In addition, Belgium’s location at the heart of Western Europe made travel and access easy for the constituent members.

With the Eastern expansion of the EU in 2004, the centre of gravity shifted away from Western Europe. Despite this, Brussels continued as the seat of the European Parliament, as well as the European Commission. Indeed, such is the cost of relocating these buildings that it is difficult to conceive of a situation where Brussels loses its status. Brussels has become the seat not only of European bodies, but also of organisations designed to lobby the European Parliament. Thus, a large portion of the city is taken up by the EU and its related organisations; and this not likely to change.

Brussels is easily accessible for Parliamentarians from all corners of Europe. Brussels has excellent rail links throughout the continent, and indeed, with the opening of the Channel Tunnel, there is even a London to Brussels train, which means that UK-based MEPs can travel easily and environmentally to Brussels.

As you can see, Brussels' neutral stance throughout European history, as well as its accessible geographic location, is why it was chosen to host the European Parliament. Whilst the city may have been a compromise choice, it is generally seen as a successful one. It is very likely that Brussels will continue to be the centre of the European project for the foreseeable future, and each year that the European Parliament remains in Brussels without complaint, the chances of it relocating decreases, despite the Eastern and Southern expansions of the organisation in the previous two decades.

Jesse Wallace writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.