Brussels plaza a monument to political folly

Brussels has unveiled a newly renovated Rond Point Schuman, a prominent traffic circle situated between the European Commission and the Council building. The three-year, 30 million euro project, intended to enhance the public space, has instead drawn criticism for its stark design and lack of essential features.

The renovation transformed the area, previously characterized by traffic congestion and sparse greenery, into a circular plaza. However, the new design, composed entirely of concrete and stone, offers no shade. During a recent heatwave, temperatures on the plaza reportedly soared above 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit), making it an uncomfortable space for pedestrians and those working in nearby EU offices.

Originally, the plan included a stainless steel canopy with greenery to provide shade, a crucial addition given rising temperatures. However, the project faced significant financial hurdles following the 2024 Belgian federal and regional elections. A prolonged government formation period led to cost overruns, requiring an additional 12 million euros. The outgoing Brussels government requested new federal funding, but this was rejected by the new federal government, which cited concerns about national dignity and, according to some, a lack of interest in Brussels from the Flemish nationalist administration.

As a result, the funding for the canopy was withdrawn, and the rest of the renovation proceeded. The outcome is a space that critics describe as "worse by improvement", a concrete desert that exacerbates the heat rather than alleviating it. "Ultimately, we got the square that nobody wanted," remarked Francis De W, highlighting the disconnect between the project's intentions and its final execution.