Group visits to the Council
We can organise visits for groups of at least 20 participants in any of the 24 official languages of the EU.
They are free of charge and suitable for everyone over the age of 15. Group visits last between 1 and 2 hours depending on the programme.
Group visits should be requested at least 3 months in advance.
How to book a group visit
Once we receive your request, we will contact you to confirm your visit.
The request should be made by:
- the group leader
- a representative of the educational establishment or student body who must also accompany the group during the visit
As group visits are very popular, we cannot guarantee that your request can be met.
We reserve the right to put two compatible groups together for organisational purposes.
What are the options for group visits?
We offer a range of options for groups:
- information sessions
- site visits inside the Council buildings
- a visit to the Visitors' Centre
Information sessions
Our experts working at the Council will share their knowledge and experience about how it's like to work in the house of member states. Information sessions are interactive and visitors are encouraged to ask questions.
Information sessions can either be:
- a general introduction to the European Council and the Council
- or on a more specific topic
Site visits of the Council buildings
We can organise a visit to the Council buildings where EU leaders and ministers meet.
As the Council is a working environment, certain areas or buildings may sometimes be closed to the public at short notice. No routes can be guaranteed and limitations may apply to large groups.
Visitors' Centre
Groups can also visit the Council's Visitors' centre. It offers a range of interactive activities and an immersive multimedia experience.
Here you can learn about the Council's work and how EU member states work together to find common solutions and shape the future of Europe.
Plan your visit
When are group visits organised?
Group visits can be organised on most weekdays between:
- 9:00 and 11:00
- 13:30 and 16:00
There are no group visits in August.
Justus Lipsius building
Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175
B-1048 Bruxelles/Brussel
Belgique/België
Lex building
Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 145
B-1048 Bruxelles/Brussel
Belgique/België
Europa building
Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175
B-1048 Bruxelles/Brussel
Belgique/België
Where do group visits take place?
Information sessions and site visits take place in one of the Council buildings in Brussels:
- the Justus Lipsius building
- the Lex building
- the Europa building
The Visitors’ Centre is in the Justus Lipsius building.
There are train and metro stations and bus stops nearby.
Security and accessibility
Each group member must bring a valid passport or national ID card to enter our premises. We will not accept other types of personal identification.
School groups must be accompanied by at least one adult for every 10 pupils.
The Council buildings are accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Cancellation
We reserve the right to cancel the scheduled visit of a group that does not meet access requirements.
We may be forced to cancel visits that have already been confirmed, even at short notice, in exceptional circumstances resulting from political developments or unplanned Council meetings.
Last review: 23 January 2026