‘Bruxelles ma belle’ or is it rather ‘Brussels is a hellhole’? Opinions about Europe’s capital differ around the world. But there is no doubt that Brussels is different from so many other cities and has its own identity. According to debate moderator and Brussels expert Jeroen Roppe, this is due to the various peculiarities that the capital has incorporated over the decades.

The international (cultural) diversity is what makes Brussels so unique and attractive, indicates Roppe. “The cosmopolitanism in Brussels is very extreme,” he indicates. Thus, according to him, no culture is really dominant in Brussels and you see and feel a broad mix throughout the city. “In addition, as a European capital, Brussels is also conveniently located just a stone’s throw from other world cities such as Paris, London, Amsterdam and Cologne,” he continues.

But how does the real estate industry deal with these issues? With all these facets, how do you keep a city attractive, accessible and affordable? How do you stay committed to innovation in a downtown core that has a relatively poor population, whereas in many big cities it is just the other way around? How can the real estate sector contribute to a greener Brussels region? And how can politicians prevent project developers from turning their backs on Brussels because of long and difficult permit procedures?

This and much more we would like to find out during the debate. After all, the panelists are all experts with a special bond with Brussels. Whether it be real estate developments, political positions or simply a fondness for our capital city.