The famous 'The Future is Europe' mural in the Brussels EU quarter has disappeared after the office building on which it was made was demolished.
The previously announced demolition was carried out to make room for the construction of a new conference centre for the European Commission.
For years, the mural by Belgian graffiti artist NovaDead had been a prominent sight on 93-97 Rue de la Loi, opposite the Commission's Berlaymont building.
But on Wednesday morning, photos of the smashed mural and demolished building were circulating on social media.
The “Future is #Europe” mural being torn down… pic.twitter.com/wMH3io3xhD
— Philippe Dam (@philippe_dam) December 4, 2024
In its place, the Realex real estate complex will be built, consisting of an office building and a conference centre for the European Commission developed by real estate developer Atenor.
The Realex project's conference centre will include 29 meeting rooms, offices, a cafeteria, a nursery, a restaurant and bicycle and car parking. It will be able to host up to 3,100 people at a time.
The mural seen in the background of a farmer's protest, in Brussels, Monday 26 February 2024. Credit: Belga / Benoit Doppagne
The necessary permits were issued in December last year, and the demolition process started this Wednesday.
In January last year, the Brussels urban activist group ARAU denounced the request for a demolition permit of the building on Rue de la Loi 93-97.
They argued that renovation (instead of demolition and reconstruction) should become the rule, in accordance with the Capital Region's commitments and the "shared vision" for the European Quarter.
