Belgian EU Presidency 2024 
#EUinmyregion campaign: a full schedule of events in Brussels
In the framework of the European #EUinmyregion campaign, a whole slew of Brussels projects that were developed with European funding will be presented to the public this September.
#EUinmyregion is a European communication campaign that aims to increase the visibility of EU-funded projects across Europe with the support of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). In this framework, a series of events will be organised this September in the Brussels-Capital Region. The idea behind it? To let the people of Brussels discover the projects that were executed in the city, with European aid.
The Brussels schedule of #EUinmyregion events features a host of truly diverse discoveries, including nature areas, rehabilitated sites, culinary experiences, social economy, technology, etc. Below is a short overview of what people can visit.
The VUB’s swimming pool: sport and sustainability
First thing to do on 1 September: visit the swimming pool of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), which was renovated in 2018, with EU funding among others. The swimming pool, which is open to everyone, is now in the enviable position of being Brussels’ greenest pool! Every swimmer will receive a free bathing cap.
Black Social Friday to discover inclusive enterprises
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) also provides support for employment, in particular in inclusive enterprises, that employ people with disabilities. The Brussels-Capital Region has 11 such enterprises, which create more than 1,500 jobs. Thanks to European funding, they were able to develop new activities and known-how.
In the framework of the #EUinmyregion campaign, the people of Brussels can visit Nos Pilifs Farm and try the new menu of its restaurant L’Estaminet, in hopes of also winning a free lunch. The campaign also gives people a chance to win purchase vouchers online on the HandyMade e-commerce site so they can try out and discover the fair trade products that the workers of these inclusive Brussels enterprises manufacture.
Brussels by bike…
Two free, guided bicycle tours will be organised in the Canal Zone, which was redeveloped with European funding. Register for free (and request a bicycle if necessary) through the non-profit organisation Pro Velo.
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Cyclists also stand a chance to win a free subscription to the bicycle parkings in the city centre thanks to a special promotion by CycloParking. This project provides an incentive for soft mobility in Brussels, by increasing the number of secure bicycle parkings in the city.
… or on foot, in green surroundings
To give visitors an opportunity to take full advantage of the unique green treasure also known as the Sonian Forest, Drohme Park is organising free, guided nature ramble at the end of September. A great opportunity to discover this innovative park project for active leisure, which has been set up on the site of the former hippodrome of Uccle-Boitsfort, which will be redeveloped with ERDF structural funds.
Sustainable food and exceptional sites
If you love a good brunch, then head to Be-Here on 6 September 2020. This is the place to go to discover sustainable food, the circular economy and well-being. This listed former industrial building, with a surface area of more than 10,000 sqm, was entirely renovated with European funding. Here you can visit an organic food market or sample a wide range of different local food products (beer, biscuits, coffee, chocolate…).
While taking a walk around Forest, there are two other culinary stops to consider. The ABY café will roll out the red carpet for visitors in the eponymous future cultural centre which is being built on the premises of Forest Abbey. This renovation project is another project that benefited from ERDF funding. Elsewhere in the neighbourhood, the teaching restaurant of the FOR.ET hospitality training centre has a surprising fusion menu full of enticing and original dishes in store for visitors.
Digital and design technology
In Molenbeek, the people of Brussels have the opportunity to discover another ERDF project, which focuses on technology and social inclusion. CASTII (Center for Arts, Sciences, Technologies, Innovations and Inclusion) was set up by the non-profit organisation IMAL. This space, which is dedicated to digital technology and culture, hosts a guided tour of its latest exhibition, titled “Post Growth”, and its FabLab.
On the other bank of the canal, the MAD, the go-to centre for all things fashion and design, is offering a guided tour by Jean L’Olivier, during which you can learn more about Brussels designers and their inspiration
Vintage market in a new sustainable neighbourhood
Finally, in Ixelles, the former barracks will become home to another ERDF project, called Usquare.brussels, the capital’s future sustainable neighbourhood. On 20 September, See U is organising the Brussels Vintage Market, in the framework of its temporary occupancy of the space before it is redeveloped. The ERDF provided funding for Usquare.brussels to convert the barracks into more sustainable buildings, by reducing their energy consumption.
You can find all the information about the 2020 iteration of #EUinmyregion in Brussels on the website europeinmyregion.brussels.
