Where will the future diplomatic service be housed? And the answer is...
(BRUSSELS2) The question of the headquarters of the diplomatic service has been raised on many occasions, without really succeeding. Today it seems to be on the way to being resolved.
Several solutions had been considered to house the future European diplomatic service. The "Charlemagne" was a logical historical continuation since it still houses the men and women of the European Commission's DG External Relations. But the building is a bit small; other DGs are also housed there (DG Trade) which required many moves. And there also seem to be some security issues (for more "sensitive" services); only a few offices benefit from it. So impossible unless expensive and difficult work to accommodate the General Staff in particular.
A new building, which has just been completed, on the edge of the Schuman roundabout and the Parc du Cinquantenaire, the JECL, has also been considered. Ideal perhaps. Beautiful. But the current situation of budgetary restriction could have sounded the death knell for this solution.
The "Lex building"
Last option, the “Lex”, located on the other side of rue de la Loi (numbers 121 to 147). A recent building, 85.000 m² and 3000 doors, designed by the architectural firm Jaspers, Eyers and Partners (one of the most expensive in Brussels). With its curve overlooking the railway line, its wide facade, a real showcase, on the Rue de la Loi, it really is a beautiful building. Practical advantage: it is a stone's throw (literally) from the Hotel Crowne Plaza (which hosts a number of distinguished guests).
Originally planned to house the European Council, a new formula, it remains today half empty (1), occupied just by lawyers and translators from the General Secretariat of the Council (of ministers) of the EU. They should therefore move - eventually - to other Council premises. And the Ashton's diplomats come to occupy their new offices. The move could be done quickly. The members of the COPS have already become accustomed to meeting there...
(1) (updated) Which would not be half empty according to its occupants. But full to the brim... I have my doubts.
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
