Brussels region wants EU institutions to help pay for Schuman redesign

Brussels' caretaker government has requested funding from the European Commission - and other European institutions - for the redevelopment of Schuman roundabout in a letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, among others.

The major renovation project, which is being managed by Beliris - the infrastructure vehicle of the Brussels region and the federal government - is facing significant additional costs to the tune of €12.4 million more than originally budgeted: €9 million extra for the redevelopment of the square itself and €3.4 million for the planned canopy.

According to Beliris, the higher price tag is due to increased costs for building materials as a result of inflation and additional elements added to the design after budgetary approval, namely the renewal of the waterproofing of the underground infrastructure, reconstruction of a road, an increase in safety requirements for the bollards and a large bench. The decision on the canopy also came late.

A source within the Brussels government did not deny that additional measures have been requested, but said the bollards in particular are weighing heavily on the additional costs.

“These bollards are designed to prevent terrorist attacks and have been requested by the European institutions, but they are very expensive per unit,” the source said.

The standstill on the project is also said to have been caused by political wrangling over the renovation plan.

For example, Beliris did not respond to an earlier request from the Brussels region to cover the additional costs.

According to government sources, Bernard Quintin, the federal minister responsible for Beliris, is particularly cool towards the project with a canopy. In 2024, some MR-party councillors in Brussels-City even proposed halting the construction work.

The tender must be completed by 30 June in order to avoid even more extra costs for the project, but the region is unable to free up the additional funds.

Beliris has been clear that responsibility lies with the region.

“Beliris has completely exhausted the budget for this initiative,” spokeswoman Elien De Swaef told Bruzz. “The additional costs will be borne by the region, more specifically by Brussels Mobility.”

Beliris said it was possible to complete the project without the planned canopy (which was intended to be the eye-catching feature of the redevelopment), bringing the additional costs down.

But De Swaef confirmed that such a change would require a new urban development permit, which would likely delay the completion of the new Schuman Square even further.

Seeing few other options, a number of Brussels ministers signed off on a letter requesting financial support from European institutions.

In addition to Von der Leyen, Roberta Metsola (president of the European Parliament), Kata Tüttő (president of the European Committee of the Regions), Kaja Kallas (high representative for foreign affairs) and António Costa (president of the European Council) were also contacted, and the Metsola cabinet confirmed the letter had been received.

“The Brussels government is currently unable to finance the additional costs for the construction of the roof,” the letter sent to the EU institutions reads.

“The dire budgetary situation, combined with the fact that there is no government with full powers, means that the project is under threat if guarantees cannot be given quickly.”

A source within the European parliament said they were "surprised" by the request, but that it will be analysed and dealt with.