European Parliament Will Inaugurate Sassoli Building
The institution will hold a formal ceremony on Tuesday to honor its former president at the new building in Brussels.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Openings & Closings
The European Parliament will host an official renaming ceremony on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, to inaugurate the Sassoli building in Brussels. The event serves to honor the legacy of David Sassoli, who led the parliament from 2019 until his death in 2022.
Why it matters
Renaming the facility serves as a permanent tribute to David Sassoli, acknowledging his significant tenure as President of the European Parliament. It formalizes a decision made by the Parliament Bureau earlier this year to recognize his contributions.
The Parliament Bureau finalized the decision to rename the structure on February 9, 2026. The dedication ceremony is scheduled to take place from 15.00 to 15.45.
The players
David Sassoli
He was an Italian politician and journalist who served as the President of the European Parliament from 2019 until his death in 2022.
Roberta Metsola
She is the President of the European Parliament and will deliver the opening address at the renaming ceremony.
European Parliament Bureau
This is the governing body of the European Parliament responsible for administrative and financial decisions regarding the institution.
The details
President Roberta Metsola will lead the ceremony, which includes an opening address and the official unveiling of a commemorative plaque. The event will be held on the Esplanade Solidarność 1980, situated between the Zweig and Sassoli buildings.
Timeline
July 3, 2019: David Sassoli was elected President of the European Parliament.
January 11, 2022: David Sassoli passed away at the age of 65.
February 9, 2026: The Parliament Bureau decided to rename the Treves building.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026: The official renaming ceremony and inauguration occur from 15.00 to 15.45.
Market Landscape
This move reflects a broader trend of institutional memorialization within European governance to solidify the legacy of past political leaders. It aligns the naming of physical infrastructure with the historical record of the parliament's recent presidential tenure.
For visitors and those doing business in Brussels, this renaming updates the official designation of the former Treves building. Access to the surrounding Esplanade Solidarność 1980 may be temporarily affected during the scheduled ceremony hours.
The takeaway
Naming institutional buildings after past leaders serves as a physical bridge between historical leadership and current parliamentary operations. Such transitions provide a permanent record of the individuals who guided the body through significant political eras.
Further reading
Read more about major institutional updates in the Openings & Closings section.
