EU Commission shuts air‑conditioning on lower floors amid European heat wave

A record‑breaking heat wave sweeping Europe has triggered extreme weather and workplace disruptions. In Cologne, Germany, a violent thunderstorm captured on video showed torrential rain, strong winds and hail, while similar severe storms were reported in Brussels and Zurich.

Amid the heat, the European Commission's headquarters in the Berlaymont building in Brussels turned off the cooling system on the building’s first to seventh floors, leaving the upper levels—including the offices of President Ursula von der Leyen and most commissioners—still climate‑controlled. Staff received an urgent SMS at noon directing them to stay indoors, avoid outings during the hottest part of the day, stay hydrated and start work earlier. The decision sparked criticism from employees, who described it as “feudalism” and “shameful,” noting that temperatures on the lower floors remained around 25‑26 °C.

The same heat wave has strained the European Parliament’s electricity supply, causing brief power cuts due to higher demand from air‑conditioning units. Officials continue to debate broader climate‑adaptation measures for offices and public buildings across the continent.