“The date is approaching—the point of no return—and since there’s no response, we’re assuming the funding is unavailable,” said the Beliris spokesperson.
The Schuman roundabout, undergoing renovations since fall 2023 and expected to be finished by next summer, is experiencing rising costs. The addition of a canopy, intended to enhance the pedestrian-friendly area dominated by greenery and bicycles rather than cars, has resulted in a €3 million financial shortfall.
In a letter to the Brussels government members, first reported by BRUZZ, Beliris mentioned that they plan to continue without the canopy, though this might lead to more expenses.
The caretaker government of Brussels had earlier asked the EU institutions for financial assistance to complete the Schuman roundabout, highlighting a lack of funds for the canopy in a June letter.
Brussels is dealing with a substantial budget deficit and political gridlock, with government negotiations stalled since the June 2024 elections.
Brussels’ leaders, including Minister-President Rudi Vervoort, Minister of European Relations and Urban Planning Ans Persoons, mobility and public works chief Elke Van den Brandt, and Interior Minister Bernard Quintin, responsible for Beliris, did not comment before publication.
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