EU Commission Turns Off Office Air‑Conditioning for Staff While Keeping It On for Commissioners

A heatwave hit the European Commission headquarters in Brussels. Commission officials ordered the central air‑conditioning system to be turned off for staff areas. Cooling remained active in the commissioners’ private offices. Employees were left to work in elevated indoor temperatures. The measure highlighted a disparity between senior staff and rank‑and‑file workers. It sparked criticism from labor unions and public‑service groups. The commission defended the decision as a temporary safety precaution. Observers note the episode may fuel broader debates on workplace comfort standards.