“Grousse Kueb” The original concept for the European Parliament to be build in Luxembourg (by Roger Taillibert – 1978)

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  1. When in the early ‘70’s The European communities were looking towards a new and closer cooperation of organizational and governmental bodies, plans were made for the building of a new European Parliament building (Eventually build and currently presided in both Brussels and Strasbourg).

    When building upon the visions of the founding Fathers of the European Union, to strive for closer cooperation and possible a Political federation, it became clear that the European Communities were ready for a next step. During the early ‘70’s TREVI (cooperation in justice and police operations in criminal matters) and the European Political co-operation (EPC) were formed, and the need arose for a central place to discuss political matters and execute legislative functions.

    Plans were made for a European Parliament to be built in the state Luxembourg. The Grousse Kueb (The Big Crow/bird) was designed by Roger Taillibert. This building was designed to reach a total height of 174 meter and to hold 300 offices. The plenary hall (the lower large floating shell) was designed to have space for 600 delegates of the European Parliament (nowadays 705 delegates) and would eventually look out over the old stronghold of Luxembourg. The location was planned on the current place of the philharmonic orchestra of Luxembourg. With an eventual massive boulevard crossing the Avenue J.F. Kennedy. Extending out towards the court of justice of the European Union and additional ‘to be built’ locations. If built, it would place the state of Luxembourg as the heart of Europe (And the eventual location for following European institutions). Regaining the position, lost to Strasbourg and Brussels due to lack of funding for the previous institutions. Leading the way for Luxembourg to host an independent European district (as envisioned by the European father Jean Monnet). Possibly paving the way for Luxembourg to become the capital state of a future European Federation. Preventing the need for the European Parliament to travel every few months between Strasbourg and Brussels.

    The eventual construction was supposed to take 14 months and cost an estimated 4 billion Luxembourgish Francs (The equivalent of €100 million nowadays). However, during meetings in 1977 civil servants had critiques on the scale and usability of the building. Demanding a change in the design and obstructing the building of the design as presented. Though the obstructions of the civil servants weren’t the only issue. The public reception was divided within Luxembourg. Soon posters were distributed stating “We are for the European Parliament in Luxembourg!” But against the Grousse Kueb, citing the huge costs and not to have the city spoiled and the harmony of the Kirchenberg disturbed. 5000 signatures were handed over to the chamber of Deputies in a protest against the Grousse Kueb. The state of Luxembourg itself took massive economic hits after the war and with the current oil crisis (1977), the state was not eager to fund the building of such a large construction. The European communities did not yet have the authority to commonly fund a construction such as the ‘Grousse Kueb’. Meaning that the costs would be paid for by the Luxembourgish community (at least until the future European Cooperation could reimburse the costs). If presented nowadays it would probably pass with huge margins within Luxembourg.

    Eventually it was settled on building a smaller building known as the “Klenge Kueb” (little crow). With a design and location not as iconic and eventually made obsolete by the relocation of the Parliament towards Strasbourg within two years of its inauguration.

    An exposition on this design and the model can be seen in the [City museum Luxembourg](https://citymuseum.lu/en/)

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