The European Commission’s headquarters in Brussels, the Berlaymont building, recently cut off air conditioning for floors one through seven during a regional heatwave, while maintaining cooling for executive suites on floors eight through thirteen. According to reporting by Politico, the decision sparked internal staff protests as temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius outside.
Why were the cooling systems restricted?
According to Politico, the Commission confirmed that extreme weather conditions necessitated the move to prevent technical problems. Similar technical issues and blackouts were reported in buildings of the European Parliament.
The Berlaymont building houses approximately 3,000 employees. The internal temperature disparity led some staff members to describe the working conditions as “feudal,” according to accounts shared with Politico.
How did the Commission justify the disparity?
The Commission initially prioritized cooling for the upper floors, which house the offices of President Ursula von der Leyen and the 26 European Commissioners. While the Commission later extended the power-down to the upper levels following public scrutiny—a detail noted by The Post—the initial tiered approach drew sharp criticism from staff. Employees working in lower-level offices reported internal temperatures exceeding 25 degrees Celsius, prompting complaints regarding the perceived lack of equity in office comfort standards.
What are the future implications for EU office standards?
According to official Commission guidelines issued earlier in the week, staff are advised to not go out during the hottest hours, to drink water regularly and to start work earlier—a directive that has met resistance from employees working in buildings, such as the Dg Agri offices, that lack air conditioning.
| Factor | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Cooling Capacity | Affected by technical problems |
| Staff Response | Formal complaints of inequality |
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the air conditioning turned off for the entire building?
No. Initially, only floors one through seven were affected. Following staff backlash and reports in the media, the system was eventually restricted across the higher floors as well, according to The Post.
When will the cooling systems be fully operational?
The Commission stated that the system would be reactivated Sunday evening in view of the start of the work week.
Are other EU buildings facing similar issues?
Yes. Technical problems, including blackouts, have occurred in European Parliament buildings.
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