The aim is for the EC to become more digital and greener by 2030 by reducing emissions from buildings.
MEPs hope not to move to Strasbourg soon, as is traditional
The European Commission plans to close half of its 50 office buildings in Brussels by 2030. The aim is to consolidate office space and allow homework to continue beyond the end of the pandemic.
EU Budget and Administration Commissioner Johannes Hahn said the institution “will significantly reduce the number of buildings over the next 10 years” to just 25 in the entire EU capital. Khan also said that this “long-term building policy until 2030.” seeks to make the European Commission greener by reducing emissions from buildings and more digital, keeping work from home as standard practice even after the end of the pandemic.
This is a remarkable change in policy for the institution that
collectively represents
the second largest
global economy
The reform signals how drastically the pandemic has changed the work environment. It also illustrates the growing integration of climate goals into the management decisions of the world’s most powerful institutions.
“Like all public and private organizations, we are now looking for the most beneficial balance between office work and home work in the long run. This is the new norm, “Hahn was quoted as saying by the European publication Politico. “We have done research and more than 90 percent of our staff is in favor of having at least two to three days a week of telecommuting,” he added, adding that “our office space will be adapted to the general introduction of remote work ”. Details are to be discussed with staff unions.
The reorganization of the offices is part of a new human resources strategy that the European Commission is developing in order to become a more flexible and attractive employer. The strategy was originally expected this spring, but will now likely be postponed until the autumn, according to an EC official.
“The European Commission is constantly adapting its building policy to new realities and needs. We intend not only to make better use of every square meter, but also
we want to do everyone
square meter more environmentally friendly “,
a spokesman for the EC told the Brussels Times. According to him, the change will help the EC save money, reduce its carbon footprint and allow staff to cooperate better.
Despite the closure of half of the buildings, the EC’s total office space will be reduced by only 25 percent, from nearly 780,000 to about 580,000 square meters, as the institution will unite political departments called directorates-general into more spacious buildings. “What we intend to do for the first time is to bring together directorates-general from the same policy area together in one room, so that we have fewer but larger rooms,” Hahn said.
The current European Commission, which took office in 2019, is trying to make decisions that are not made by isolated departments, as policies such as the Green Deal affect almost every sector. At present, the climate, energy and transport departments, for example, have a reputation for not communicating enough with each other and pursuing their own programs. This new real estate strategy can put an end to this fragmented management.
The centralization of office space means that the EC will have to move some of its departments to new buildings. The northern part of Brussels was mentioned as one of the options during a press conference at which Hahn spoke with Rudy Verworth, governor of the Brussels-Capital Region, and Pascal Smet, secretary of state for urbanization, European and international relations.
“We are very pleased that the European Commission is considering the northern part of the city,” Smet said, adding that having EC offices in this neighborhood “would be a good thing for the development of this urban region.”
The northern district of Brussels is considered one of the biggest failures in the urban plans of the Belgian capital. In the 60’s and 70’s the city
destroys an entire bustling dwelling
area to create a new one
business district with tall buildings
But then there are significant difficulties in filling these office spaces, leaving the area unpopular with many locals, who are annoyed by the lack of cafes and restaurants in the neighborhood and its general emptiness.
The current authorities in Brussels are giving priority to the Nordic Quarter to make it more vibrant, as well as to diversify the European Quarter, where many of the EU institutions are currently located. Part of this plan includes the renovation of the Schuman roundabout near the Berlemon headquarters.
Asked about plans to relocate some of the institution’s offices in the North Quarter, Khan said: “We are ready to contribute to the development of a new area in the city,” but added that it could not be more precise, as it could have effect on the real estate market.
“If I say we’re going here or there, it’s going to have an immediate impact on prices, and that’s something we need to avoid in the interests of European taxpayers, for
to get possible
best deals with
best prices ”,
said the commissioner. However, he added that the European Quarter will continue to be the center of operations of the European Commission.
The EC’s plan to reduce its carbon footprint and make its employees happier by allowing them a better work-life balance in a post-pandemic world may be undermined by the European Parliament’s intention to hold the next major meeting in person. June.
MEPs traditionally meet once a month in the French city of Strasbourg, as the EU treaty guarantees the status of Alsace’s capital as host of parliament. During the pandemic, this monthly trip was stopped. This is a painful topic for most MEPs, some of whom
do not like the regular
walks to Strasbourg
and are aware of the negative PR they generate. However, they may have to return to France in June because the EP leadership has decided that it is time for meetings in the French city to return to the calendar. But as travel restrictions are still in place in France and the number of infections is not fully controlled due to the slow pace of vaccination, MEPs and their assistants have been advised to travel to Strasbourg in their own cars. An official council sent by MEPs to its members says this will allow travelers to bypass French border checks, which do not apply to motorways connecting Belgium and neighboring countries. However, quarantine and return testing are in place.
A petition is currently being circulated in the mailboxes of Members of the European Parliament asking the President of the institution to reconsider the decision to return to Strasbourg until everyone has a chance to be vaccinated. Sufficient pressure from MEPs may require a change in tactics.
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