Brussels canopy at Schuman Square shelved after EU funding plea fails
The planned canopy for Schuman Square in Brussels, at the heart of the European Quarter, will not be built for the time being, De Standaard reported on Saturday. Beliris, the federal body responsible for the redevelopment, has instructed contractors to complete the square without the steel structure, following the European Commission's non-response to a request for financial support.
The Brussels Region is transforming the busy roundabout into a largely pedestrianised area. The canopy, which was intended to be a central meeting place, became financially unfeasible when rising construction costs left the project 12 million euros over budget. With the regional government in caretaker mode, ministers appealed to the Commission for help, but received no response.
In a strongly worded note to the regional road authority, Beliris complained of long delays in decision-making and warned that deadlines tied to EU recovery funds must be met. The agency stated that any change of course after 15 September would necessitate sections of the newly renovated square being torn up again, resulting in additional costs.
Talks between Brussels ministers and federal officials have failed to secure alternative funding. With the Commission remaining silent and the federal government unwilling to provide additional funding, the canopy project has effectively been shelved.
© BELGA PHOTO TIMON RAMBOER
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