Press Release: Belgium guarantees return of the European Commission to its Berlaymont headquarters in 2004

The European Commission and the Belgian government have today agreed the contract setting out the conditions for the return of the Commission to the Berlaymont. This contract satisfies all the conditions set out in the Memorandum signed by both parties in July 2001: it guarantees a fixed delivery date; it provides for a fixed price; and it contains a number of detailed guarantees on provisions for penalties and legal specifications. The deadline for delivery of the basic building is 31 December 2003 and the deadlines for required additional works are 31 March and 30 June 2004.The Commission's share of the renovation cost is set at € 503.3 million, including € 35.6 million for additional works requested by the Commission to ensure that the building will be suitable for an enlarged EU