14th OCTA MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE
Brussels, 25 February 2016
14th OCT-EU Forum
Brussels, 26 February 2016
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Dear Participants,
We would like to welcome you to the 14th OCTA Ministerial Conference and the 14th OCT-EU FORUM in Brussels, 25-26 February 2016. Below you will find some useful information regarding your trip to Brussels and your participation to both events.
Event venue and access
Trilateral meetings
The Trilateral meetings between OCTs, Member states and Commission Services on 10th EDF implementation and 11th EDF programming will take place at the European Commission premises, building of Rue de la Loi 41 (23-24 February 2016).
The Building is between the metro stations Art-Loi (Metro lines 1, 2, 5, & 6) and Maalbeek (metro lines 1 & 5).
Should you arrive by taxi, we suggest to be dropped at Rue de la Loi.
To enter the buildings, you will need a valid ID as well as a printed copy your invitation.
Please arrive at the main entrance and report to the designated Trilateral meetings reception desk before security in order to register and collect your badge.
You will then proceed through security and be accompanied to the meeting room. Please allow a minimum of thirty minutes to complete entrance and security.
You will be then accompanied by a hostess to the meeting room to be used.
Please note that you will be required to complete security procedures again if you need to exit the building.
14th OCTA Ministerial Conference & 14th OCT-EU Forum
The 14th OCTA Ministerial Conference (25/2/2016) and the 14th OCT-EU Forum (26/2/2016) will take place at Renaissance Hotel, Rue du Parnasse 19, 1050 Brussels (Brussels Ballroom I & II).
Hotel Accommodation
Rooms have been reserved at the following hotel:
 |
Renaissance Brussels Hotel
Rue du Parnasse 19, 1050 Brussels
T : 0032.2.505.22.94|M: 0032.494.515.720|F: 0032.2.505.22.76
Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/brubr-renaissance-brussels-hotel/
The hotel is nearby the European Parliament Building past Luxemburg Station (Gare du Luxembourg). The hotel is at a walking distance from the city center and can be reached via train (Luxemburg train station) or via the airport bus line No 12 or 21 Luxemburg stop.
Meals
Lunch will not be provided during the Trilateral meetings on 23rd and 24th of February 2016.
A Gala Dinner has been organized on the evening of February 24th at Concert Noble, 82, rue d’Arlon, 1040 Brussels. Bus transfers have been arranged for all participants, from Renaissance hotel to dinner venue and return.
On February 25th lunch will be offered at the hotel (Parnasse 2 room). On the same date, a Gala Dinner has been organized at Bibliothèque Solvay, 137 rue Belliard, 1040 Brussels. Bus transfers have been arranged for all participants, from Renaissance hotel to dinner venue and return.
On February 26th lunch will be offered at the hotel (Parnasse 2 room).
Internet access at the hotel
Wi-fi is available throughout the hotel.
Contact with event organisers
For any further assistance as regards the logistical arrangements, please contact the conference secretariat at: +30 6945 292915 (Ms Natalia Lourantou).
About Brussels
Time
Brussels Time is in the Central European Time Zone (CET). CET is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich (GMT+1).
Currency
The monetary unit in Brussels, Belgium is the Euro (€). There are cash points in many parts of the city and Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.
Weather
During February the weather in Brussels is cold with quite a lot of snow. Average temperature is at 4C during day and under 0C at nighttime. A weather forecast is available here: http://www.accuweather.com/en/be/brussels/27581/february-weather/27581
How to get to Brussels
From Brussels Airport
By train: Direct trains from the SNCV station under the airport terminal to the main stations in Brussels (Brussels-Nord, Brussels-Central and Brussels-Midi) run every 15 minutes. The standard ticket price for travel between the airport and the Brussels Zone is €8.60 per journey. In addition, any ticket to or from a station in the Brussels Zone entitles you to travel by train all day between all stations in the Brussels Zone on the date of travel.
By Bus: The Airport Line is
a 30-minute express service between Brussels Airport and the European quarter, where your
meetings take place. From Monday to Friday 8 pm the Airport Line is
operated as an express service with number 12 and only serves the major
stops.
On weekdays after 8 pm, and the whole day on Saturday, Sunday and holidays the
Airport Line is operated as a regular service with number 21,
serving all stops. All MIVB/STIB buses depart from platform C. A single
journey ticket costs €4.5 outside vehicle and €6.0 inside vehicle.
In order to save time and money, buy your ticket from the GO ticket vending machines before boarding. These machines accept Maestro bank cards, credit cards and coins.
By taxi: Taxis are available outside arrivals and the average cost of a taxi fare to Brussels is between €36 and €45 per way.
Arriving by train
You will arrive in one of the main stations below. They are all connected with the city’s metro and bus system.
Central Station
Carrefour de l'Europe 2 - 1000
North Station
Rue du Progrès 85 – 1210-For Amsterdam
South Station
rue de France 2 – 1070 - For London (Eurostar), Paris (Thalys), France (TGV)
Luxembourg Station
Place du Luxembourg - 1040
For Luxembourg
Schuman Station
Rond-point Schuman - 1040
Moving around in Brussels
Taxis
There are several taxi companies in Brussels and taxi fares vary depending on the destination, the pickup charge and waiting charge if applicable.
Brussels Taxi Companies
Autolux : Tel. (0)2 411 41 42
Taxis Bleus : Tel. (0)2 268 00 00
Taxis Orange : Tel. (0)2 349 43 43
Taxis Verts : Tel. (0)2 349 49 49
Did you know that:
The driver must start the meter at the start of the journey.
You'll be given a printed receipt at the end of the journey.
Unless pre-booked, only taxis bearing the official Brussels taxi sign are
licensed to take you.
See also the metro map which is a cost effective and very efficient and speedy way to move around.
Emergency numbers
In case of emergency Dial
112
List of emergency numbers
|
Service |
Website |
Phone number |
Logo |
|
European emergency call |
112 |
 |
|
|
Federal police |
101 |
 |
|
|
Poison unit |
0032 (0) 70 245 245 |
 |
List of hospitals
|
Hospital |
Address |
Zip code |
Phone number |
|
Leopold Parc clinic |
38, Rue Froissart |
1040 Brussels |
0032 (0) 2 434 51 11 |
|
CHU Saint Pierre |
322, Rue Haute |
1000 Brussels |
0032 (0) 2 535 31 11 |
|
Clinique Saint Jean |
32, Boulevard du Jardin Botanique |
1000 Brussels |
0032 (0) 2 221 91 11 |
