Brussels

The Belgian Revolution was a conflict that led to the secession of the Southern provinces from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands and established an independent Kingdom of Belgium. The revolution was sparked by a performance of Auber's opera La Muette de Portici in Brussels, which incited the audience to rebel.

On April 18, 1951, the Treaty of Paris was signed establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), which is considered one of the precursors to the European Union. Brussels, playing a significant role, would eventually host key European institutions formed from these communities.

Expo 58 was the first major World's Fair held after World War II. Located on the Heysel Plateau in Brussels, Belgium, it was notable for the construction of the Atomium, a landmark building that has become one of the most famous structures in Brussels.

On 30 June 1967, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) moved its headquarters from Paris to Brussels following France's withdrawal from the military structure of NATO. This marked a significant shift in operations and increased Brussels' importance as a hub for international diplomacy.

The accession of the United Kingdom to the European Communities took place on January 1, 1973. Although this event concerns the UK, it significantly impacted Brussels because it houses the main administrative functions of the European Communities, making Brussels an essential center for EU activities.

The Brussels-Capital Region was established on 14 June 1991. It is one of the three regions of Belgium, alongside Flanders and Wallonia, and encompasses 19 municipalities, including the City of Brussels. This political restructuring was part of Belgium's devolution process.

The Maastricht Treaty was signed on February 7, 1992, by members of the European Community in Maastricht, Netherlands. It created the European Union (EU) and led to the establishment of the euro currency. Its impact on Brussels was profound as the city hosts major EU institutions.

On March 22, 2004, the European Union completed a major enlargement, admitting ten new member states. This expansion had significant implications for Brussels, being the de facto capital of the EU, and led to increased diplomatic activities and administration in the city.

On March 22, 2016, Brussels was rocked by a series of coordinated suicide bombings that took place at the city's airport and at a metro station. The attacks resulted in 32 civilian deaths and over 300 injuries. It was one of the deadliest acts of terrorism in Belgium's history.

The United Kingdom officially left the European Union on January 31, 2020. This event affected Brussels significantly as an EU hub, raising questions about political dynamics, diplomatic relations, and economic impacts. The EU Parliament continued to play a central role in shaping post-Brexit Europe.