Illegality of US Embassy Protection Measures

Context

Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, the U.S. Embassy in Brussels has increased its security, causing disturbances for residents. Despite judicial decisions, the illegal situation persists. Previous responses have not provided concrete solutions, fueling residents' frustration.

The relocation to Etterbeek is in preparation, but no specific timetable or concrete measures have been communicated. Embassy relocations are lengthy processes, lasting from 3 to 5 years.

Questions asked

Madam Secretary of State, I would like to review the progress of the file and ask you the following questions:

• Firstly: What measures have you taken since the Council of State's judgment in February 2022 that annulled the permits in question?
• Secondly: How is the government managing the current illegal situation on Rue de la Riviera and Boulevard du Régent until the relocation to Etterbeek?
• Thirdly: What guarantees can be offered to ensure that the new embassy site in Etterbeek does not cause similar disturbances for the neighborhood?
• Fourthly: What is the concrete timetable for the relocation and how can you ensure that it will be completed within a reasonable timeframe?
• Fifthly: What measures are being taken to actively involve residents in this process and keep them informed of the relocation's progress?
• Sixthly: Have temporary measures been considered to reduce disturbances on Rue de la Riviera and Boulevard de Waterloot until the relocations are completed?
• Seventhly: How does the government ensure that the new embassy complies with the environmental and sustainability standards applicable to this type of building?
• Eighthly: What are the main obstacles slowing down the embassy relocation and how are they being addressed?
• Ninthly: Is there a specific timetable for discussions and negotiations with the U.S. Embassy regarding the progress of this file?

Summary of the question

During his intervention, Brussels MP Goffroy Coomans de Brachène raised the persistent issue of security measures at the U.S. Embassy, which remain unchanged despite complaints and judicial decisions since the September 11, 2001 attacks. He expressed his frustration at the lack of concrete solutions and clarifications on the illegal situation in place since 2017, particularly on Usinaire and Rue du Régent. Despite mentions of relocation to Cours Saint-Michel in Etterbeek, no concrete planning or certainty on the duration of current disturbances has been provided. The MP asked several questions to the government, including on measures taken since the annulment of permits by the Council of State in February 2022, the management of the current situation until relocation, guarantees to avoid new disturbances, the timetable and involvement of residents, temporary measures, compliance with environmental standards, obstacles to relocation, and negotiations with the U.S. Embassy. The MP emphasized the urgency of acting to resolve this situation. 

Summary of the answer

In summary, following the annulment of permits for the public space in front of the U.S. Embassy, infractions were noted and the public prosecutor decided to prosecute the offenders. For the new embassy site in Etterbeek, the permit application for the construction of the new embassy is expected to be submitted in spring 2025, with construction completion not expected before summer 2030 and a likely relocation in 2031. Meetings have been held to align the parties on this large-scale project.
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWAnszf29R0&start=4808

Summary of the conclusion

Madam President, Madam Secretary of State, Thank you for your answers. However, I remain dissatisfied with some of the questions asked. Firstly, I heard that a report was issued by your services more than a year after a judgment. I do not know if this delay is usual, but I would like to get more details on this in a future response. Regarding the highly confidential nature, I fully understand the need to respect the security of embassies, regardless of their origin. It is crucial to respect this confidentiality. It should be noted that Brussels has become the world's first diplomatic city in recent years, which implies impeccable security standards. We must ensure this. I hope we can improve security at Cours Saint-Michel, which seems to be a current issue. I have heard of a project that should be submitted in spring 2025. This is a positive development, but I fear there may be appeals, as is often the case for large projects. Would the 2031 date for its completion be too optimistic? In the meantime, I encourage you to protect the residents of the city center, who have been affected for many years. It is time to find a solution for them after years of struggle. Thank you.
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWAnszf29R0&start=4958