The Brussels Reader

Urban Notebooks / Stadsschriften / Cahiers urbains

Brussels is a small world city. It is the third richest region in Europe but has a poor population in its central neighbourhoods; it is the capital of Belgium, a nation fading away; it has high cosmopolitan potential but lacks an integrated urban governance and is in need of an inspiring urban project … Moreover, the European institutions settled in Brussels over fifty years ago and their presence has not been an absolute success story. Today the international functions of the city are very important. So perhaps developing Brussels as the capital of Europe could become that urban project.

The Brussels Reader gathers texts written by the best experts on Brussels. They are all affiliated with the Brussels for Europe Masterclasses. The content of this book is based on a five years teaching experience to expats. Besides chapters on various aspects ranging from the history, geography, culture and politics, to migration and institutional organisation of Brussels, the book comprises walks and visits to different parts of the city and some of its most important institutions.

This is the first reader offering an in-depth understanding of Brussels’ urban dynamics in English. The Brussels Reader is a must for anyone intrigued, involved or interested in the city becoming the Capital of Europe.

With contributions from: Eric Corijn, Christian Vandermotten, Philippe Van Parijs, Tim Cassiers, Claire Billen, Roel Jacobs, Caroline Van Wynsberghe, Eefje Vloeberghs, Sofie Vermeulen, Christian Kesteloot, Sarah Levy, Joachim Declerck, Roeland Dudal, Andrea Rea, Geert Cochez, Leen De Spiegelaere, Sophie Alexandre, Veerle Vanderleen, Gawan Fagard, Ann De Cannière, Yves Rouyet and Marie-Laure Roggemans.