Brussels has announced plans to make the Schuman roundabout greener after the redesigned public space received widespread criticism. The roundabout sits in the heart of the European Union district and is one of the city’s most recognized landmarks.
The Brussels regional government recently approved a broad plan to improve the area by adding more greenery and creating extra shade. Officials hope the changes will make the square more comfortable for visitors, especially during periods of hot weather.
The latest decision follows strong public criticism of the completed redevelopment project. Many people said the redesigned roundabout contains too much concrete, very little seating, and almost no protection from the sun.
The original design included a large steel canopy that would have provided shade and created a striking visual feature. However, that part of the project was never built after construction costs increased and political delays slowed the redevelopment.
Regional officials said the new landscaping plan will be simpler and less expensive than the original proposal. They confirmed there are no plans to revive the steel canopy because building it now would require major engineering work.
Government representatives said work is still underway to decide what improvements can be made. The final design and construction timeline have not yet been announced.
Officials also explained that the roundabout has several underground road tunnels. These structures limit the amount of soil available, making it impossible to plant large trees that could provide full shade across the square.
The redevelopment project had a budget of around €30 million and was completed without the canopy. Construction continued after Brussels experienced a long period of political uncertainty following the 2024 regional elections.
During that period, the region struggled to form a new government. Officials also sought financial support from European Union institutions to complete the original design, but no additional funding was secured.
The finished project quickly became the subject of public debate. Urban planners, architects, and residents questioned whether the redesigned space met its original goals.
One of the architects behind the original project previously said the current version represents the least desirable outcome. He argued that the completed design does not reflect the vision that was first presented.
Regional officials said they expect to have a clearer picture of possible improvements later this year. Urban planning teams are now reviewing which changes can be added without rebuilding the completed structure.
Former Brussels public works minister Pascal Smet has continued to campaign for the original steel canopy. He recently launched a public petition calling for the structure to be built, arguing that it would give the roundabout the iconic appearance originally planned.
Smet said the current design fails to create the welcoming public meeting place that planners had hoped for. He has described the unfinished square as falling short of its intended purpose.
The petition has attracted fewer than 2,000 signatures since it was launched. Despite that limited support, debate over the future of the Schuman roundabout continues.
For now, the Brussels government is focusing on practical improvements rather than major reconstruction. By adding more plants and shaded areas, officials hope to create a more attractive and comfortable public space while working within the limits of the existing design and budget.
