Brussels, March 19, 2025 – European Union (EU) leaders will convene in Brussels on Thursday, March 20, and Friday, March 21, to discuss pressing matters including defence, competitiveness, and the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
As is customary, the high-profile gathering will cause significant traffic and public transport disruptions in the Belgian capital.
The European leaders will meet at the Council of the European Union buildings on Rue de la Loi, following up on the outcomes of the special European Council held earlier this month.
Among the topics on the agenda are the multiannual financial framework (MFF), migration, developments in the Middle East, and multilateral global issues, according to an official European Council statement.
Traffic Disruptions and Road Closures
Authorities have announced a safety zone in the European Quarter, which will lead to major road closures and restricted access for the public. The affected areas include:
- Schuman roundabout
- Rue Froissart (from numbers 101 to 143)
- Rue de la Loi (between Schuman roundabout and the Residence Palace, as well as between Schuman roundabout and Boulevard Charlemagne)
The Brussels-Capital/Ixelles police zone confirmed that the security perimeter in the Schuman district will be closed from 09:00 on Thursday. Additionally, the Reyers tunnel towards the city centre will be closed from 08:00.
Only authorised individuals carrying a digital or printed pass, along with proof of identity, will be permitted to enter the security zone on foot.
Vehicle access will be restricted to official delegations and emergency services. Residents and employees within the perimeter had until March 14 to apply for access passes via the police website.
Public Transport Disruptions
Brussels’ public transport operator, STIB, has also confirmed changes in metro and bus services. While Schuman metro station will remain operational, several entrances will be closed:
- Entrances 6 (Rue Froissart), 7, and 8 (Rue Archimède and Schuman) will be shut from 14:00 on Thursday.
- Entrances 4 (Residence Palace) and 5 (Justus Lipsius) will close earlier, from 07:00 on Thursday.
The railway station’s Berlaymont-side entrances will remain accessible, and people with reduced mobility can enter via Rue de la Loi near the Lex building.
Several bus lines will also be rerouted:
- Lines 59, 60, and 80 will be diverted around Place Jourdan.
- Line 27 (towards Luxembourg) and Line 36 (towards Maelbeek) will avoid the Froissart stop.
Parking and Additional Restrictions
Parking restrictions will be strictly enforced within the security perimeter and along delegation routes.
Additionally, no deliveries, rubbish collection, or outdoor seating will be allowed in the restricted area. Businesses and residents have been instructed to keep all building windows closed as a security measure.
While local traffic will be permitted in certain areas, such as parts of Rue Archimède and Avenue de Cortenbergh, access will remain limited and subject to restrictions, particularly during official escorts.
Advice for Commuters
Authorities are advising people to avoid the European Quarter altogether and opt for alternative transport options such as metro lines unaffected by the summit or soft mobility choices like cycling and walking.
Given the simultaneous disruptions caused by ongoing construction at Schuman roundabout, commuters should expect significant delays.
This summit comes as the EU continues its strategic discussions on supporting Ukraine, enhancing European defence, and tackling economic competitiveness amid global uncertainties.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
