**Title: EU Commission Faces Criticism Over Air Conditioning Policy During Heatwave**
In the midst of a record-breaking heatwave, the European Commission's headquarters in Brussels has come under fire for its handling of air conditioning across different floors of the Berlaymont building. Reports indicate that while air conditioning was turned off on the lower floors, the offices of President Ursula von der Leyen and other senior officials continued to enjoy cooling, leading to accusations of a double standard among employees.
According to a report by Politico, an urgent message was sent to approximately 3,000 employees on Friday, informing them that due to extreme weather conditions, the cooling systems on floors one through seven would be disabled for the remainder of the day. This decision was made as Belgium experienced its hottest day in half a century, with temperatures in Brussels reaching 34.6°C (94.3°F), surpassing a record set in 1976. Forecasters have warned that temperatures could approach 40°C (104°F) in some areas as the heatwave affects much of Western Europe.
The decision to cut air conditioning on the lower floors, while leaving it operational for the upper levels where top officials work, has sparked outrage among staff members. One unnamed official likened the situation to "feudalism," expressing frustration over the perceived inequity in treatment. Another employee described the situation as "a disgrace," while a third noted that even on the upper floors, where air conditioning remained functional, indoor temperatures were still uncomfortably high at 25.7°C (78.3°F).
This incident is not the first controversy to surround von der Leyen's leadership. Her tenure has been marked by various scandals, including the so-called "Pfizergate," where an EU court found that she failed to justify withholding text messages exchanged with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla during negotiations for COVID-19 vaccines. Critics have pointed to this as an example of a lack of transparency in her administration.
Additionally, von der Leyen has faced scrutiny for her travel practices. Despite advocating for a green economy and net-zero emissions, reports revealed that she utilized private jets for 18 out of 34 official trips since taking office, including a short flight between Vienna and Bratislava, which is only 50 kilometers apart.
In a separate personal controversy, a wolf killed von der Leyen's favorite pony, Dolly, at her family property in Lower Saxony. Following this incident, she pushed for a downgrade in the EU's protection status for wolves, a move that conservation groups criticized as being driven by personal motives rather than scientific reasoning. This has raised concerns about the potential erosion of protections for endangered species.
The current air conditioning issue highlights ongoing tensions within the EU Commission, particularly regarding the treatment of staff and the transparency of decision-making processes. As the heatwave continues, the situation remains a focal point for discussions about equity and governance within the European Union's institutions.
As the Commission navigates these challenges, the reactions from employees may prompt further scrutiny of its policies and leadership practices, particularly in times of crisis.