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.