A ventilation problem caused the air to be filled with toxic gases in the new EU building in Brussels, the organisation has said.
The European Council said in a statement that “a technical issue” with the ventilation “producing noxious fumes in the kitchens, has led to a number of kitchen staff falling ill.”
Emergency services vehicles including police cars and ambulances were pictured outside the “Europa” building as staff were escorted off the premises.
Some were evacuated to the old EU building next door.
The EU says the incident will not prevent the October 19-20 summit of EU leaders from taking place.
More to follow.