ESU’s Visit to EPP Headquarters in Brussels

The visit of ESU members to the EPP Headquarters in Brussels was a warm and welcoming experience, as we were embraced by our ‘EPP family’. After enjoying lunch, we gathered to listen to Secretary General Thanasis Bakolas deliver a personal welcome message. Following that, Brigitte Grouwels enlightened us about Brussels, the capital of Europe. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen our bonds and deepen our understanding of the EPP’s work in this significant hub of European politics.    

During his intervention, Thanasis Bakolas highlighted the value of ESU as part of the EPP family and emphasized the importance of farmers’ rights. Regarding the Green Deal and its impact on farmers, he stressed the need to consider their challenges and the pressure they face. Bakolas emphasized the necessity for the EPP to uphold its principles and values in the 2024 strategy. He called for a solid vision that goes beyond national-level politics and focuses on what we have in common. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of EU-focused campaigns and the selection of committed individuals for parliamentary roles. Bakolas reaffirmed the EPP’s stance as pro-Europe, pro-NATO, pro-rule of law, and pro-Ukraine. He advocated for increased cooperation and engagement within the party. 

Brigitte Grouwels, vice-president of CD&V seniors and former minister in the Brussels government, delivered a speech on Brussels as an international city, highlighting various aspects. In the Belgian context, she mentioned the presence of schools and cultural institutions in both Dutch and French languages. She also highlighted the significant number of commuters from both Flanders and Wallonia. Grouwels emphasized Brussels’ role as a student city with approximately 100,000 students. 

Regarding its international role, she noted that Brussels is not only host to EU and NATO meetings but also numerous smaller councils. She highlighted the diverse and international population of Brussels, with 75% of its residents having a foreign origin. Grouwels discussed the social and cultural impact of the international presence, such as international schools and religious services for specific communities like Polish masses. While Brussels is officially a bilingual region, she noted that English has increasingly become a contact language in recent years.

During the Q&A session, Grouwels addressed questions about the presence of the king and queen in Brussels, security concerns (which she emphasized should not be exaggerated), and the religious situation, highlighting both the Christian/Catholic community and the significant Muslim community in the city.