Since this city hosts the headquarters of the European Union, you might call it the capital city of Europe. Which city is this?

The Belgian capital has earned its unofficial title as the "Capital of Europe" by serving as the administrative heart of the European Union. It is the primary headquarters for the EU's most powerful institutions, including the European Commission (the executive branch) and the Council of the European Union, where national government ministers meet. The European Council, which brings together the heads of state or government, also holds its summits in the city, solidifying its role as the center of EU political power.

While Brussels is the main hub, the EU's institutional geography is complex. The European Parliament, for instance, has a unique arrangement. Most of its committee meetings and political sessions are held in Brussels for practical reasons, but its official seat is in Strasbourg, France, where the main plenary sessions take place each month. This multi-city setup is a legacy of early political compromises made during the formation of the European communities.

The city's role as an international center extends beyond the EU. It is also home to the headquarters of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, making it a critical hub for both European and transatlantic diplomacy. This dense concentration of international governance gives the city a uniquely global and multilingual character, truly fitting for a continental capital.