In my region

Discover how the EU supports your local area
In my region
In my region
In my life
In focus
In my region
Discover how the EU supports your local area
1 738 Regions
Photo of the University Library

Louvain, Belgium

  • Add to favouritesLouvain
  • Download 
Photo of the University Library
© bbsferrari | Adobe Stock

The administrative district of Louvain comprises 30 towns and municipalities, with a combined population of more than 500 000. Louvain is close to Brussels and part of the ‘Flemish Diamond’ (the urbanised core area of Flanders). The Catholic University of Louvain is very well known and is ranked among the world’s top 50 universities. In addition, there are many multinationals in Louvain, including the largest brewer in the world, which also has its headquarters there. The region implemented successful activation policies between 2014 and 2019, which led to a sharp drop in unemployment.

Examples of projects and initiatives supported by the EU

Construction of bicycle-tunnel in Leuven

Thanks in part to European support, a bicycle tunnel was constructed under the Tiensesteenweg in Louvain between 2016 and 2019. This bicycle tunnel is an important link between the bicycle highways to Tienen and to Aarschot, providing a safe, fast and green alternative to the car.

Erasmus students in Leuven

The presence of the oldest university in Belgium underscores the international character of Louvain, to which thousands of overseas students come every year, some of them under the European Erasmus + programme. This gives students from every Member State (and partner countries) the possibility to study abroad for at least one semester. In 2019-2020 the Catholic University of Louvain received a total of 1 460 Erasmus students.

Rural development in the Hageland

11 projects in Hageland received EU support in 2022 for the benefit of the local environment. These include the renovations of social centres in Averbode, Deurne, Landen, Lubbeek, Waanrode and Zoutleeuw, the extension and reconstruction of roads in Boutersem, Korbeek-Lo and Lovenjoel, the creation of a promotional film on the horse procession in Hakendover and the renovation of the village shop in Langdorp, together with its bakery and inn.

Organisation of International Short Film Festival

Louvain hosts the International Short Film Festival every year. The festival was selected for an EU grant and gives (young and international) filmmakers the chance to present their latest short films (fiction as well as animation films and documentaries) to a wide audience and professionals from the film world.

Data-driven support for entrepreneurs in Leuven

In cooperation with the city, traders from Louvain can directly obtain local data on, for example, visitor and spending figures, events taking place in the city, weather data, etc. This allows traders to adapt immediately by keeping their finger on the pulse. The project, which has received EU funding, is running simultaneously in Antwerp, Mechelen and Roeselare, with a view to a healthy economic and tourist climate.

Further information
Discover how the EU supports your local area