Committee of the Regions boss says plan is “off the agenda.”
BRUSSELS — A controversial €3.6 million plan to build a 450-seat conference hall at the Committee of the Regions’ Brussels headquarters has been put on hold.
CoR President Kata Tüttő told POLITICO Brussels Playbook the proposal is “off the agenda” while political leaders assess its viability.
Politicians on the CoR became aware of the plans, drawn up by the institution’s administration, only when they were presented to them for approval. “Now it’s off the table because all of us felt that we need to understand more,” Tüttő said, adding that trade unions would be included in the redevelopment plans.
Given wider financial constraints, “we see all the problems that we don’t have enough budget for,” Tüttő said.
The CoR, an EU body representing local and regional authorities, is seeking more information and is consulting with the European Economic and Social Committee, which also uses the building, Tüttő said.
POLITICO revealed the planned redevelopment in March, with the conference hub added to a wider €49 million redevelopment of the institution. The hub was omitted from public disclosure, prompting trade unions and staff to suggest a lack of transparency.
An official at an EU staff union, granted anonymity to speak freely, described the project as “this megalomaniac plan.”