BRUSSELS — When challenges arise, European Union leaders often retreat to fortified locations, locking themselves away to deliberate on crucial matters. Throughout history, significant events—such as Russia’s incursion into Ukraine, Brexit, and even the aftermath of 9/11—have prompted the EU to convene in such dramatic settings, and this week is no exception.
This Thursday, as discussions surrounding the EU’s role in an increasingly unpredictable global landscape intensify, leaders will gather at Alden Biesen in Flanders, Belgium. This picturesque castle, located near Bilzen in the Limburg province, serves as a remarkable backdrop for serious dialogue, complete with a moat designed to deter intruders.
A retreat for European unity
Enrico Letta, one of the two former Italian prime ministers attending the gathering, emphasized the ambitious goal of this retreat: saving Europe. He stated that this meeting will test whether “Europe can turn around and become truly united, fully mature and independent.” Letta likened the significance of this moment to the signing of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, which played a pivotal role in shaping the EU over the past 35 years. “Now we must do the same thing again,” he asserted.
Leaders seeking to reignite EU competitiveness will have access to insights from Letta and fellow former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi. Alternatively, they might simply find inspiration in the historical architecture that surrounds them, with vaulted ceilings, ancient tapestries, and grand halls enhancing the atmosphere.
The tradition of castle summits
The use of secluded European castles as gathering places for the political elite is not new. Historian Luuk van Middelaar notes that such locations provide the necessary seclusion to engage in serious discussions, away from the bustling atmosphere of metropolitan centers. He remarked, “Castles provide what EU decision-making so often lacks: spectacle and splendor.”
Since October 2003, formal European Council meetings have predominantly taken place in Brussels. However, prior to this shift, meetings were commonly hosted in the nation holding the rotating presidency of the EU Council. The current European Council president, António Costa, has reintroduced informal “retreats” aimed at fostering brainstorming sessions devoid of the pressures typically associated with formal conclusions.
The inaugural of these retreats, focused on defense, was quickly organized and took place at the Palais d’Egmont in Brussels. While a respectable venue, it lacked the dramatic flair of a castle. Subsequent reviews of potential locations in Belgium eventually led to the selection of Alden Biesen, which offered the necessary security for the 27 leaders while maintaining a balance of practicality and historic aesthetics.
This week’s meeting is reminiscent of past gatherings that employed similar settings. For instance, in March 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, EU leaders convened at the Palace of Versailles, resulting in the “Versailles Declaration” that pledged increased defense spending and reduced energy dependence on Russia. Prior to that, in September 2016, leaders met in the striking hilltop castle of Bratislava following the UK’s decision to leave the EU. Additionally, in December 2001, the European Council gathered at Château de Laeken, the Belgian royal family’s official residence, to discuss counterterrorism measures in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
Historically, significant treaties have also been signed in castles and palaces, emphasizing the enduring appeal of these monumental sites for international diplomacy. Matt Lewis, a medieval historian, points out that the tradition of using castles emerged after the fall of Charlemagne’s empire, as a response to the uncertainties of power vacuums. He explains that modern politicians often draw on this legacy, using the grand fortifications of castles to underscore the importance of their discussions.
In these tense times, as EU leaders retreat to Alden Biesen, they are not only seeking solutions to pressing challenges but also invoking a historical legacy that connects them to their medieval predecessors.