How the EU looks after a decade of horrors

Few buildings can match the absurd majesty of the Palais de Justice in Brussels. The courthouse complex was Europe’s biggest structure upon completion in 1883. Its seemingly random jumble of classical columns, piled haphazardly on top of each other, dwarf even St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. One atrium has a ceiling height of over 80 metres. unesco politely describes this architectural confection as “unique”. Thus it was with pangs of regret that your newish columnist left the Belgian capital in 2012 after a three-year stint: much of the Palais had been wrapped in scaffolding the entire time. How exciting, as he returned this month after a decade away, to see the edifice in all its glory at last. Alas, the Palais is as concealed as ever. Political squabbling and dodgy brickwork mean the overhaul is now expected to take several more years to complete. The scaffolding has been up so long, it is itself in the process of being renovated.