politics
Blame game as Brussels builds ‘Europe’s largest frying pan’ instead of shady square
Architect’s vision for redevelopment of heart of EU quarter unrealised amid political wrangling and rising costs
TL;DR
- Schuman Square's redevelopment aimed to transform a roundabout into an 'urban agora' and a symbol for the European project.
- The original plan included a steel canopy with a green roof, inspired by the European parliament's hemicycle.
- Political issues, including a prolonged government formation period in Brussels, stalled the project.
- Costs for the canopy project significantly increased from an initial €5m to €13m.
- A caretaker government could not authorize new funds for the canopy due to financial regulations.
- The Belgian Prime Minister criticized Brussels' request for additional EU funds, calling the region a 'failed state'.
- The new Brussels government ultimately cancelled the canopy in early 2026.
- Current plans focus on creating a greener, cheaper space with potential water features, aiming for completion by summer 2028.
- A petition signed by over 2,100 people calls for the construction of the original canopy, though some are open to better alternatives.