Residence Palace - International Press Centre

30/03/2026

✨In the press ✨ Discover the hidden history of the Résidence Palace ! 🏣

Did you know that the Résidence Palace – International Press Centre was once one of Brussels’ most luxurious residential complexes?

Built in the 1920s in iconic Art Deco style, it was designed as a true “city within a city”, complete with its own theatre, swimming pool, shops and services.

Today, this remarkable building stands at the heart of the European Quarter, blending heritage and modern-day diplomacy.

We’re delighted to share this insightful article by Frédéric Moreau, published in The Brussels Times, exploring the fascinating story and evolution of this unique place.

👉 Dive into the full article and uncover more about the secrets behind our walls:

https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/2021048/a-city-within-a-city-the-secret-life-of-brussels-residence-palace

The iconic Résidence Palace marks its centenary this year – a Jazz Age experiment in luxury living that helped reshape Brussels long before the EU arrived.

27/03/2026

📸☕ Snapshots from our latest Talks for Journalists 🎤

Theme: Financial Greenwashing & the Reality Behind “Sustainable” Investments 🌳

Journalists and experts gathered at the Résidence Palace – International Press Centre for an eye-opening discussion on how so-called “green” financial products can, in reality, support some of the world’s biggest polluters.

At the heart of the conversation: financial greenwashing — the practice of marketing investment funds as sustainable or ESG-compliant while channeling money into high-emission and harmful industries.

🎙️ We were honoured to welcome:

Stefano Valentino, investigative journalist (Voxeurop)
Giorgio Michalopoulos, investigative journalist & PhD researcher
Morgane Kubicki, Communications Coordinator & Editor, Financité Magazine

Together, they shared insights from cross-border investigations revealing that billions of euros have been invested in sectors such as oil, gas, coal, transport and defense through funds labelled as “green” or “responsible”.

🔍 Using a “follow the money” approach — combining financial data analysis, corporate documents and lobbying research — the speakers unpacked how these systems operate and how such practices impact both the planet and human lives.

📊 Key figures highlighted during the session:

The investigated sectors represent 50–75% of global direct carbon emissions
Top emitters in oil, gas and coal alone released 8.5 billion tonnes of CO₂ per year (2017–2023)
Selected companies account for 77% of emissions in their respective sectors

🗞️ Moderated by Pamela Morinière (IFJ), the discussion also explored tools to better identify greenwashing and promote transparency in the financial sector.

📷 Swipe through the highlights here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7FD8C5Hj74

25/03/2026

🌍 EEAS Ambassadors Conference at the Résidence Palace

From 9 to 13 March, the Résidence Palace – International Press Centre had the honour of hosting the annual EEAS Ambassadors Conference in Brussels.

This key event brought together EU Ambassadors, Special Representatives and Envoys, as well as Heads of Military Operations and Civilian Missions, alongside senior leadership from the European External Action Service and the European Commission.

Over the course of the week, high-level discussions were held with distinguished speakers, including the Presidents of the European Parliament, the European Council and the European Commission, the HR/VP, Vice-Presidents and Commissioners, as well as voices from international organisations, think tanks and the media.

A week of dialogue, diplomacy and strategic exchanges at the heart of Europe. 🇪🇺

31/12/2025

The Résidence Palace team would like to wish you a Happy New Year 2026! 🥳

Here is a recap of what happened at Résidence Palace in 2025, if you missed it (we’re sure you didn't):

2025 end pretty well for us, we received the prestigious Green Key label for 2025 (5 in a row but who's counting ?) ! The GreenKey©️ label is an international eco-label for sustainable tourism and event enterprises. ♻️

The Résidence Palace is committed to the environment and it is still a main goal in 2026. In 2024, we proudly launched “Talks for Journalists" breakfast meetings, organized by the Residence Palace and 7 other press partners. We are so proud of all of the work and effort we have put in ! In 2025 we organised 4 breakfast meetings featuring expert level speakers, valuable insights and resources for journalists and Spoiler alert: we will have many more in 2026 ! 🌳🌍

2025 was an extraordinary year. Our calendar was filled with numerous prestigious events, cocktails and dinners. We hope to welcome and organised yours in 2026✨

We also had the pleasure of welcoming an impressive number of Belgian and foreign ministers, as well as royal personalities who graced these moments with their presence. 👑✨

We also welcomed new tenants: Europod, Total EU, Alice Production and Het financieel Dagblad ! Welcome to the international press Centre 🤩

And finally we would like to thank our partners with whom we work every day, NEP Belgium our exclusive audiovisual partner and Choux de Bruxelles our exclusive catering partner!

2026 will be a year full of conferences, events, activities, workshops, new tenants and new challenges ! 🥳

2026 we're ready for you !

Thank you all,

Your beloved Résidence Palace team ✨

24/12/2025

Dear tenant and visitors ✨

The International Press Centre will be closed from Wednesday 25th December to January 1st included 🥳

On December 29th, 30th and January 2nd the reception desk will be open from 10 am until 1 pm !

The restaurant will be closed from December 24th until January 4th included. The restaurant will be open on January 5th, per usual ✨

The Résidence Palace - International Press Centre team wishes you an happy festive season! 🥰🎄

02/12/2025

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Hans de Bruijn, Secretary-General of API-IPA and a long-standing partner of the Résidence Palace – International Press Centre.

Hans played an essential role in supporting the international press community here in Brussels. He was a profoundly kind, principled, and humble man.

His collaboration with our teams was always marked by respect, openness and a sincere dedication to the mission of API-IPA. We are grateful for the many years of partnership and friendship.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the broader API-IPA community.

🕊️ In remembrance.

24/10/2025

✨ The Résidence Palace in the spotlight! ✨✨

We’re proud to share a new article dedicated to the Résidence Palace – International Press Centre, exploring its rich history and exceptional Art Deco architecture 🏣

It’s always a pleasure to see our building recognized not only as a key event venue in Brussels, but also as an important piece of the city’s architectural heritage 🖼

A huge thank you to Natrimoine for highlighting our story and showcasing the elegance and legacy of this unique venue in the heart of the European Quarter.

📖 Discover the article “L’art déco, une autre modernité” in their latest edition.

15/10/2025

Celebrating talent and architectural heritage! 🏣

We’re thrilled to share the beautiful work of Big Sebastian an architecture student from ULB – Faculty of Architecture La Cambre Horta, who created detailed 3D models of the Résidence Palace.

His project captures the timeless Art Deco elegance of our building — a true Brussels landmark at the crossroads of history and modernity.

It’s inspiring to see how young creatives continue to reinterpret our iconic spaces with passion and precision.

📍 Résidence Palace – International Press Centre

06/10/2025

📸☕ Snapshots from the 24th September Breakfast Meeting for Journalists

Theme: Potential Human Rights Impact of the Proposed “Omnibus” Amendments to the EU Corporate Sustainable Due Diligence Directive

On Wednesday 24th September, journalists and experts gathered at the Residence Palace for a timely and engaging discussion on the future of corporate accountability in Europe. With the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) now in force, attention is turning to the proposed Omnibus amendments — and their potential impact on human rights and responsible business conduct.

🎙️ We were honoured to welcome:

Mauricio Lazala Leibovich, Chief Business and Human Rights Unit, OHCHR
Gabrielle Holly, Chief Adviser on Human Rights, Danish Institute for Human Rights
Tomoya Obokata, UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery

Together, they unpacked the implications of regulatory simplification and what it could mean for alignment with international standards.

🗞️ Organised in collaboration with United Nations Regional Information Centre- UNRIC, IFJ - International Federation of Journalists , European Federation of Journalists - EFJ, International Press Association, .Association.des.journalistes.professionnels , Vlaamse Vereniging van Journalisten (VVJ), and FIDO - IFDD - SDGs.be

📷 Swipe through the highlights here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLahAc6wi39A15vKLY3CAsnGwVOy262o11

18/09/2025

🥐🗞️ Upcoming Breakfast Briefing – September 24th

Potential Human Rights Impact of the Proposed “Omnibus” Amendments to the EU Corporate Sustainable Due Diligence Directive

Join us for our next Breakfast Meeting for Journalists, where we’ll dive into the implications of the European Commission’s proposed “Omnibus” amendments to the CSDDD — and what they could mean for human rights and responsible business conduct.

📅 Date: Wednesday, September 24
📍 Location: Residence Palace – International Press Centre
☕ Doors open at 8:30 AM | Discussion starts at 9:00 AM

Following the adoption of the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) in July 2024, many companies began aligning their due diligence processes with the new requirements. But in early 2025, the European Commission introduced the Omnibus Proposal — aiming to simplify and streamline the regulatory framework.

💬 This panel will explore whether these changes risk weakening alignment with international standards on human rights and environmental responsibility.

🎙️ Speakers:

Several speakers will address key issues and answer to journalists, on a panel moderated by Sherri Aldis, Director of the UN Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC):

Mauricio Lazala Leibovich, Chief Business and Human Rights Unit, OHCHR
Gabrielle Holy, Chief Adviser on Human Rights, Danish Institute for Human Rights
Tomoya Obokata, UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery (external expert)

📌 Mark your calendars

18/09/2025

✨ Heritage Days in Brussels – Art Deco Edition ✨

This weekend, the Résidence Palace – International Press Centre will exceptionally open its doors as part of Brussels Heritage Days! 🏛️

Step inside one of the city’s most striking Art Deco landmarks, built in the 1920s, and discover the unique history of this architectural gem.

📅 14 & 15 September 2025
📍 Résidence Palace, Brussels

Come and explore the elegance of the Art Deco era and the stories hidden behind this iconic building. Don’t miss this rare chance to walk through our doors!

22/07/2025

Dear tenant and visitors ✨

During July and August the reception desk will be open from 9am to 5pm and on Fridays from 9 to 4pm 🌴

The International Press Center will be closed on Friday August 15th (Ascension) ✨

The restaurant will be closed from Friday 25th of July until Monday August 25th included.

We wish you excellent summer holidays! 😎

The Résidence Palace team 🥳