EUROPEAN COMMISSION: EXECUTIVE TO RETURN TO BERLAYMONT IN 2004.

The European Commission has signed a contract with the Belgian Government on completion of renovation work on the Berlaymont building which should allow the executive to return to its former headquarters in 2004. Under the contract agreed on October 23, the Belgian Government promises to have the basic building ready by December 31, 2003 and to finish all outstanding work by June 30, 2004. In return, the Commission has agreed to pay Euro 552.879 million for the completed building and the land on which it stands. The Commission's overall contribution to the cost of renovations will total Euro 503.3 million including Euro 35.6 million for additional work requested by the Commission. Once completed, the building will house...