EU leaders will be meeting for a summit in Brussels on Monday. However, they will not gather in the usual location in the European Quarter, but in the Petit Sablon district near the city centre.
An informal EU leaders' retreat will take place at the Egmont Palace at the Petit Sablon on Monday 3 February to discuss European defence. As part of the meeting, the Secretary-General of NATO, Mark Rutte, has been invited to a lunch, and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, to a dinner.
The EU leaders will gather at the historic site – where many of the Belgian Presidency to the EU events took place – from 07:30 until 23:00. As is the case with such meetings in the European quarter, security perimeters will be set up.
"As with previous summits, the mayor and police will make every effort to minimise disruption in the area while ensuring the safety of heads of state and citizens," the City of Brussels/Ixelles police zone said.
Which measures are being taken?
The police explained that several areas surrounding the meeting place would either be completely shut off, or security measures would be enforced.
The security perimeter will include Rue des Petits Carmes, Petite Sablon and Rue de la Wol. Anyone living or working within the security perimeter must apply for a pass to enter this zone.
"Transit permits are requested individually and electronically using the form available on our website and will be delivered to your mailbox by Sunday 2 February at the latest," the police noted.
🚨 Un Sommet Européen aura lieu au Palais d’Egmont le 3 février 2025. Le périmètre de sécurité suivant sera mis en place: Rue des Petits Carmes, Place du petit Sablon, Rue aux Laines. Besoin d’un laissez-passer ou plus d'info? https://t.co/h9FPyHf04h 🚨#SommetEuropéen… pic.twitter.com/dWmOR8s7Y9
— PolBru (@zpz_polbru) January 30, 2025
On these streets, parking is strictly prohibited, for all types of vehicles (car, motorcycle, bicycle, scooter, etc.).
As is the case for the security perimeter around Schuman when EU summits are held there, several other rules will be enforced. No deliveries can be made within the safety perimeter, and no rubbish bags can be placed on the public road.
All windows of buildings on these streets must remain closed. People who have questions about these measures can call the police on 02/279.85.35.
Strengthening defence capabilities
The discussion will focus on the development of defence capabilities; financing, including mobilising private funding; how best to use EU tools and the EU budget and additional common options that could be considered as well as strengthening and deepening partnerships.
"In a security landscape marked by Russia's war against Ukraine, growing hybrid and cyberattacks on Member States and the situation in the Middle East, EU leaders will discuss European defence and how to strengthen defence capabilities," a statement from the European Council read.
