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.

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.

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.

Have you experienced similar climate control issues in your workplace? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on European institutional policy and infrastructure trends.

Bigg’s killer whale sightings in Bellingham Bay and the broader Salish Sea have risen significantly over the last decade, driven by an expanding population and a robust supply of marine mammal prey. According to the Orca Network, reports of these transient whales surged from 2,101 in 2014 to 14,149 in 2025, with researchers noting that the whales are increasingly frequenting urban coastal areas like Boulevard Park.

Why are Bigg’s orca sightings increasing in the Salish Sea?

The rise in sightings is primarily attributed to a growing Bigg’s orca population and the high availability of their preferred food sources, such as seals and whales. Monika Wieland Shields, director of the Orca Behavior Institute, states that the region is seeing more of these mammal-eating orcas because the ecosystem is currently supporting their dietary needs. Dr. Cindy Elliser, associate director of the Salish Sea Institute, notes that the presence of these predators acts as a barometer for ecosystem health, proving that protecting prey species encourages the return of apex predators.

How do social structures influence whale movement?

Bigg’s orcas travel in matrilines, which are social units comprised of a female and her descendants. Rachel Haight, co-coordinator for the Orca Network’s Whale Sighting Network, explains that specific families, such as the T123s, may adopt a “favorite area” and return to it repeatedly. This behavior explains why residents in areas like Bellingham Bay may witness multiple sightings of the same group over a short period, such as the documented visits in June 2026.

Is the increase in sightings purely biological?

While the whale population is growing, experts suggest that human behavior is also contributing to the surge in data. The Orca Network’s Facebook community has grown to over 126,000 members who actively report sightings in real-time. According to Rachel Haight, the rise in reported sightings is partly due to improved community collaboration. Without this network of citizen scientists, many of these whales would pass through the bay unnoticed by the public.

Comparison of Reporting Trends

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Bigg’s orca?
  Bigg’s orcas, also known as transients, are a population of killer whales that hunt marine mammals rather than fish.
• Why are they seen near Bellingham Bay?
  They are drawn to the area by an abundance of prey and may establish preferred hunting grounds within specific matrilines.
• How can I report a whale sighting?
  The Orca Network maintains a Whale Sighting Network and a community Facebook group where members share real-time location data.

Have you spotted an orca in the Salish Sea recently? Share your experiences in the comments below or join our local wildlife newsletter to stay updated on the latest marine activity in the Pacific Northwest.