Belgium is a western European country that adheres to a federal constitutional monarchy system. In this, the king is the head of state, and the prime minister is the head of government in a multi-party system. Decision-making powers are not centralized, but divided between 3 levels: the federal government, 3 language-based communities (Flemish, French, and German-speaking), and 3 regions (Flanders, Brussels Capital, and Wallonia). These three, levels of governance hold different responsibilities but are legally equal in power.
Belgium has been an EU member country since 1958 and a euro area member since 1999. It uses the euro as its currency. Belgium holds a unique and special position among the six founding nations that made European integration a reality. The nation is more popularly known as the ‘heart of Europe’ for many solid reasons.
Brussels, the official capital of Belgium, is the seat of most of the important institutions of the European Union. Although the city has not been officially conferred the status of EU’s capital, it definitely qualifies as its unofficial capital.
Belgium also communicates with the EU institutions through its permanent representatives based in Brussels.
Also, 21 out of the total European Parliament members hail from Belgium.
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