Belgium

Brussels is Belgium’s capital, home to the federal parliament, prime minister’s offices, and the royal palace used for state functions. It forms the bilingual Brussels-Capital Region (French Bruxelles, Dutch Brussel). Brussels also hosts key European institutions—the European Commission and Council—and NATO headquarters, making it the de facto capital of Europe. Don’t confuse it with Antwerp (major port), or with Ghent and Bruges (medieval Flemish gems). Memory tip: BRUssels = EU, and Brussels sprouts originated around Brussels—sprouts point you to the capital.