The European Commission has finalized the sale of 23 office buildings in Brussels for €900 million (Source [1]), marking a significant shift in its real-estate strategy. This move is part of a broader plan to reduce office space by 25% by 2030, to streamline operations, and to align with evolving work habits.
However, this raises critical questions: Was the sale price justified? What are the real consequences for staff? And how will this impact the Commission’s ability to function effectively in the years ahead?
A Bargain for the Buyer?
The total office space sold amounts to 344333 m² (above ground), with an estimated 413200 m² if underground parking and other facilities are included. This translates to a sale price of approximately €2178–€2614 per m² (Source [2]), which seems low given the prime locations of these buildings in Brussels’ European Quarter.
Comparison to Market Rates
- Similar office spaces in Brussels are valued at €2600–€2700 per m² when sold.
- New residential apartments in the same area are expected to reach €5000–€6000 per m² once converted.
- The rapid timeline for the sale (just one month for bidders to express interest) raises concerns that higher offers may have been possible with a more open and competitive process.
Lost Leasing Potential
- Instead of selling, renting out these buildings could have generated €120 million per year (Source [3]) based on current office rental prices in Brussels.
- The Commission justified the sale by arguing that it is “not a property management agency”, yet this decision means it lost potential revenue that could have offset budget cuts affecting staff.
More Staff in Less Space: The Consequences
One of the biggest unanswered questions is whether the Commission has conducted a proper impact assessment on the future of work and staff well-being. With such radical changes to office space (hot desking in open space [4]), working conditions, and commuting, how will staff be affected in the long term? How will these changes influence productivity, well-being, and job satisfaction? Transparency on these issues is essential.
The sale will significantly reduce the Commission’s available office space, affecting working conditions, hybrid work arrangements, and parking availability.
Overcrowding and the Hot-Desking Reality
- Many buildings already operate at full capacity, and reducing office space further will intensify hot-desking, making it difficult for staff to find workspaces.
- Some DGs already report situations where entire teams are unable to book desks, raising concerns about productivity and well-being.
Parking Cuts and CoBrACE [5] Compliance
- Under CoBrACE legislation, Brussels is enforcing strict parking reductions.
- One-third of the Commission’s Brussels-based workforce lives outside the city itself (Mobility plan for Brussels [6]), and many are unable find a workable alternative to commuting by car – especially those dropping off children at (sometimes more than one) school.
- With fewer buildings, fewer free parking spaces will be available, forcing staff to find the least-bad alternatives.
Unanswered Questions on Future Office Needs
- With hybrid work becoming the norm, does the Commission have a long-term space strategy that reflects staff needs?
- Given that working from home (‘telework’) remains ostensibly voluntary [7], what arrangements are in place to ensure that those who choose to exercise their right to work from the office can do so?
A Call for Transparency and a Smarter Strategy
These changes must align with a broader vision for the future of the European Commission, as outlined in Generation 2004’s F.U.T.U.R.E. Manifesto [8]. Our priorities include ensuring fair treatment of staff, reinvesting in workplace improvements, and creating sustainable policies that do not shift financial and other burdens onto employees. Read more about our vision here: F.U.T.U.R.E. Manifesto. [9]
This sale is not just about buildings – it’s about the future of how we work. The Commission has an obligation to ensure that savings [10] from the sale do not come at the cost of staff well-being, operational efficiency, or fairness in working conditions.
Generation 2004 believes that staff should not bear the brunt of cost-cutting measures [11]. The Commission must provide full transparency regarding how these savings will be reinvested to improve workplace conditions. If sustainability and efficiency are truly the objectives, then the institution must also ensure that its employees are not left behind in the process.
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