The (outgoing) Brussels government sent a letter addressed to the leaders of the EU institutions asking for financial assistance to fund the Schuman roundabout renovation, according to a report by La Libre on Thursday.
The letter is reportedly co-signed by outgoing Minister-President Rudi Vervoort (PS), outgoing Brussels’ Secretary of State for Urban Planning, Ans Persoons (Vooruit), and the outgoing Regional Minister for Mobility, Elke Van den Brandt (Groen).
The work around the Schuman roundabout aims to make the area more pedestrian-friendly, create cycling paths, and increase the number of green spaces.
To achieve these goals, substantial funding is necessary. The letter warns that "these ambitions could be jeopardised due to unforeseen circumstances," noting that cost overruns of approximately €3 million will burden the Region’s finances.
Currently, the Brussels government is unable to commit to funding the additional costs required for the construction of the central canopy, a key feature of the new square. The desired funding amount is not disclosed in the letter.
Consequently, the outgoing Regional government "turns to the representatives of the five European institutions located in Brussels to request whether they could consider a joint financial contribution towards the redevelopment of Schuman square."
