Visitors' Centre

European Commission Visitors' Centre

Based in Brussels, the European Commission Visitors’ Centre provides the public with an understanding of how the European Commission works and its policies and priorities. 

About the Visitors' Centre

The European Commission Visitors’ Centre in Brussels organises visit programmes for groups from all EU Member States and throughout the world. Visitors include business representatives, local government, journalists, politicians and students. Visiting groups can discover the role of the Commission and hear about its key policies from Commission staff.

Please note, the Visitors’ Centre does not organise guided tours of Commission premises, or visits for individuals. Individual visitors are invited to visit Experience Europe.

Group visits

• Types of visit: General, specific information and tailored visits are available. See below for details and how to apply.
• Group size: 15 - 100 people (for physical visit). At least 10 people (for virtual). No individual visits.
• Advance booking requirement: Minimum 10 weeks (for physical visit) and 4 weeks (for virtual visit)
• Availability: Group visits are available Monday through Friday. The Visitors' Centre is closed on weekends and Belgian public holidays, plus certain holidays for the EU institutions.
• Confirmation: You should receive confirmation within 2 weeks of submitting your request, including the contact details of the person handling your visit. If not, please email COMM-VISIT-REQUESTSec [dot] europa [dot] eu (COMM-VISIT-REQUESTS[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu).
• Cost: Free of charge
• Minimum visitor age: 15
• Language: All EU languages – tell us your preference when you apply.
• Identification: You must show a passport or national ID card to get into the building (driving licence not accepted).
• Cancellation: Please warn us at least 2 weeks in advance at COMM-VISIT-REQUESTSec [dot] europa [dot] eu (COMM-VISIT-REQUESTS[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu), including your visit number.
• A late arrival may result in cancellation of your visit. 

Groups can also combine their trip to Brussels with a visit to Experience Europe, the exhibition centre of the European Commission. Experience Europe welcomes everyone, including individual visitors, to an interactive environment. Situated on Schuman roundabout, it is just a 300m walk from the Visitors’ Centre. Make it part of your visit to the EU headquarters!

Request a visit

Visits can take place, physically, in Brussels, or virtually, including hybrid visits.

There are 3 different types of group visit.

When you apply for one of the 3 types of group visit, you will be asked to either create an 'EU Login' account or log in to your existing account.
A privacy statement explaining how your personal data will be processed will be shown at the end of the validation process.

1. General information visit – 90 minutes

A presentation about the role of the European Commission within the EU followed by a question and answer session.

Aimed at people, such as secondary students, with little or no previous knowledge about the EU.

Apply here

2. Specific information visit – 2½ hours

An introduction to the role of the European Commission within the EU, followed by a presentation on a specific EU policy of direct interest to the group.

Aimed at undergraduate students and specific interest groups.

Apply here 

3. Tailored visit – Up to 1 day

A programme specifically tailored to the interests of the group and can consist of an introduction to the role of the European Commission within the EU, followed by up to 4 presentations on specific EU policies, given by Commission officials dealing with the issues involved.

Aimed at journalists, national, regional and local parliaments and governments, business associations, public and private-sector professionals, trade unions, academics, including postgraduate and research students

Apply here

Visits sometimes take place at other locations. Check your confirmation.

Entrance

On the corner of Rue de la Loi and Rue du Taciturne.

Public transport

We strongly recommend using public transport to come to the Visitors’ Centre. The closest stop is 'Schuman' and can be reached by metro and bus. When leaving the metro station, follow the signs for the 'Berlaymont' exit.

Dedicated parking for buses is available in Rue du Taciturne (on your right when turning off rue de la Loi).

Security screening

To enter the Visitors’ Centre, you must show a national ID card or passport (driving licence not accepted). You must also pass through a metal detector, similar to those at airports, and your belongings will be X‑rayed.

Accessibility

The Visitors' Centre is wheelchair-accessible. Please indicate your needs on the application form.

Facilities

Wi-Fi is available inside the Visitors' Centre.

Visiting other institutions