Negative reactions to the renovation of the joinery on the Eternal Flame building, EU Delegation reassures the public

(Patria) - Following the replacement of windows, i.e., the installation of new joinery that looks like PVC on the Eternal Flame building in the city center, a building located within the national monument Historic Urban Landscape of Sarajevo, numerous reactions from Sarajevo citizens and politicians have followed.

Federal MP Damir Mašić commented on Twitter.

"We need to get to the bottom of who installed this monstrosity of PVC joinery in the city center and from whom they received approval and permission to do it at all. I will take all necessary steps as an MP in the FBiH Parliament," Mašić stated.

In further correspondence with cantonal MP Irfan Čengić, he said that it must be revealed who issued the permit for this urbicide.

"Since the building is allegedly owned by the FBiH, and the premises are allegedly leased to the EU, it will be interesting to find out who gave permission for this urbicide. Therefore, I will insist on the responsibility of whoever allowed this until the end. It would be a particular scandal if it was done without the owner's permission," Mašić stated.

The Mayor of Sarajevo, Benjamina Karić, also commented, stating that the building is used by the Ministry of Finance of the Sarajevo Canton, the Securities Commission, while the EU Info Centre will use the ground floor. She noted that a permit from the Commission for the Preservation of National Monuments of Bosnia and Herzegovina would have been required for major works.

Sarajevo residents are particularly attached to this building because of the Eternal Flame memorial, which was lit in 1946 as a monument to the liberators of Sarajevo and the victims of fascism who fell in World War II, and it is a symbol of the city.

According to a report considered at the session of the Sarajevo City Council in June 2022, the Federal Ministry of Spatial Planning gave consent for investigative works, after which the Main Project was to be completed.

During the term of the former mayor Abdulah Skaka, a contract was signed with the EU Delegation for the lease of premises.

The contract signed by the City of Sarajevo and the EU Delegation regarding the lease of premises on the ground floor of the building states that the EU Delegation accepts the premises in their current condition, with the possibility of requesting further works from the City of Sarajevo if the building or installations are insufficient for the needs of opening and operating the EU Information Centre. According to the contract, the EU Delegation is to lease 669 square meters of space on the ground floor of the building. The Delegation undertakes to bear the costs of renovating the facade, external joinery, and roof of the entire building in an amount to be agreed upon between the contracting parties.

Although the EU Delegation undertook to carry out the adaptation of the leased premises, the City of Sarajevo is obliged to ensure that the structure and all technical and other installations are in a safe and good condition and in accordance with the health and safety regulations applicable in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as that they are of sufficient capacity and quality to provide the necessary services for the needs of the EU Delegation.

Following the negative reactions, the EU Delegation issued a statement.

"If you are concerned about the windows of the new 'Europe House' building (due to open in Spring 2023), please let us reassure you. The window frames are freshly painted wood (not PVC). Once the facade of the building is fully restored, they will blend harmoniously with the building and the surrounding beautiful architectural heritage."

They stated that the plans were approved by the competent authorities at the federal and cantonal levels, with full respect for Sarajevo's unique cultural heritage.

"After the restoration work, 'Europe House' will be an attractive and vibrant center that will enrich the cultural life of beautiful Sarajevo, and we look forward to welcoming our first guests in a few months," they added.

 

If you are concerned about the windows of the new 'Europe House' building (due to open in Spring 2023), please let us reassure you.

The window frames are freshly painted wood (not PVC). Once the facade of the building is fully restored, [cont.] https://t.co/DPg38C2Pyb

— EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina (@eubih) January 18, 2023