EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT IN BRUSSELS

Description

Essentials about the European Parliament in Brussels in brief

Those interested in politics should not miss a visit to the European Parliament in Brussels. Next to the Berlaymont Building, where the EU Commission is based, the European Parliament is the second most important building in the city where European politics are made. Unlike the Berlaymont, however, the European Parliament can be visited. On a self-guided tour or a guided tour, visitors can learn about the history, role and workings of the world’s largest transnational parliament.

Visiting the European Parliament in Brussels

It is true that the European Parliament’s headquarters are in Strasbourg. However, the meetings of the parliamentary committees and groups as well as several plenary sessions a year are held in the parliament building in Brussels. Attempts to concentrate all EU institutions in Brussels have so far failed due to resistance from individual member states.

The European Parliament in Brussels can be visited free of charge five days a week. Individuals can get to know the Parliament with the help of an electronic tour guide. In addition, guided tours are offered once or twice a day, incidentally in all 24 official languages of the European Union. Individuals can join a guided tour without pre-registration. For groups, advance reservation is recommended.

Visitors get a comprehensive insight into the history and functioning of the European Parliament as well as its role in the European Union during a tour or guided tour. The highlight of the visit is certainly the Parliament’s plenary chamber, where all members of the world’s largest transnational parliament have their seats.

The European Parliament in Brussels also has a limited number of visitor seats. Those interested in European politics can watch a session of the Parliament live for one hour. The only requirements for attending a parliamentary session are to be at least 14 years old and to show an identification document.