It might be surprising that the answer to this question is negative. The European Union has no official capital and has no plans to establish one.
However, many principal EU institutions are based in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. Therefore, it is considered the de facto capital of the European Union.
Back in 1950, a committee of experts had suggested Brussels as the best option for the capital of the EU. The reasons were many and valid too. Brussels hosts the official seats of the European Commission, Council of the European Union, the European Council, and also the second official seat of the European Parliament (the European Parliament has three official seats).
Moreover, Brussels was held in high regard for playing a vital role during the post-war integration efforts and is reputed for harbouring excellent communication systems with other member countries. But even though the report received wide acceptance, the Council could not unanimously agree, and the matter was abandoned.
Strasbourg in France, which houses the first seat of the European Parliament, is yet another popular choice while discussing the capital of the EU. Strasbourg was a disputed land that led to a war between France and Germany over its possession. Hence the city was seen as a favourable choice as capital as it would help subdue the tension between the two nations.
Critics vouch that the differences in opinion between the two choices could be solved if the Parliament was moved to Brussels, where most of the European Union institutions are based.
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