Justus Lipsius Building, Brussels

The Justus Lipsius Building is a major administrative centre of the European Union. Opened in 1995, it became the main seat of the Council of the EU and its General Secretariat. It also hosted European Council summits from 2002 until these high-level meetings moved to the neighbouring Europa Building in 2017. Most Secretariat departments, preparatory meetings and the Council’s main press centre remain here.

Its exterior combines pale stone and dark glass. Built over a former road, the complex contains separate conference and office sections. Facilities include 17 large conference rooms equipped with interpretation booths, additional meeting rooms, delegation offices and spaces for official meals. During important political gatherings, the central atrium can become a press workspace for hundreds of journalists.

The building is connected to the Europa Building by enclosed footbridges, allowing both complexes to function together. Visitors can learn about the work of the Council through the multimedia Visitors’ Centre, located inside the building. Free guided tours also provide access to selected institutional spaces and explain how ministers, diplomats, interpreters and officials work together, although advance booking and security checks are required.