King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium were welcomed at the iconic Berlaymont building on Wednesday by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and her team of Commissioners.
This event follows the King's address to the European Parliament Plenary in Brussels in April, as well as a reception for the 27 Member States a few days later at the Royal Palace alongside a European summit as part of Belgium's ongoing EU Presidency.
In doing so, the Head of State met with the three major legislative institutions of the European Union – the Parliament, Council and Commission. This is interpreted as a display of the integral role of European institutions in the capital city, a diplomatic source stated.
Credit: X / Belgian Royal Palace
Following an invitation, the royal couple had a private discussion with von der Leyen. The King then addressed the College of Commissioners in the iconic Jean Monnet room, the location for the weekly meetings on the 13th floor of the Berlaymont on Rue de la Loi.
The conversation centred on key projects and the future of the EU, in the light of the upcoming June elections.
