Bratislava will extend the lease of land used as a security zone by the U.S. Embassy at Hviezdoslav Square until the end of July 2035. The City Council approved the ten-year extension on Thursday.
Under the new terms, if a building permit for a new U.S. Embassy complex is issued, the rent will drop to a symbolic one euro per year. If no such decision is made, the rent will increase from August 2030 in line with inflation.
The U.S. Embassy has occupied the current fenced-off premises since 2005. The security barriers were installed after the 9/11 attacks and have drawn criticism due to their impact on the historic city centre. Relocation has long been seen as the preferred solution.
Bratislava City Hall continues to stress that, under the Vienna Convention, the security zone is considered part of the embassy compound — even on city-owned land. The U.S. Embassy maintains that its relocation plans are progressing.
Source: TASR
