Information
Landmark: European ParliamentCity: Brussels
Country: Belgium
Continent: Europe
European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium, Europe
Overview
The European Parliament is one of the EU’s key lawmaking bodies, speaking for citizens across all member states and shaping rules that touch everything from travel to trade throughout the Union.It’s a cornerstone of the EU’s governance, shaping laws and decisions that keep its democracy alive-much like a steady voice in a crowded chamber.The European Parliament works alongside the Council of the European Union to shape and pass laws in most areas of EU policy, from trade rules to environmental standards.Parliament debates and votes on new laws, keeps a close watch on the European Commission’s work, and makes sure EU institutions answer to the public.It’s made up of 705 Members of the European Parliament-MEPs-whom citizens across the EU elect every five years, like marking a ballot on a crisp morning in May.Each country’s number of MEPs depends on its population-Germany, for example, sends more than Malta.Their main job is lawmaking: debating, revising, and voting on proposals from the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm. Parliament helps shape EU laws on trade, environmental policy, consumer protection, and human rights, debating details that can sway everything from fishing quotas to data privacy rules.It also shares the job of approving the EU’s budget, deciding how much money flows into programs and policies across the bloc.And when it comes to oversight, Parliament keeps a close watch on the European Commission and other institutions, pressing them for answers when needed.It can approve or reject the Commission’s work and keep a close eye on its actions through questions, committees, and investigations.In foreign policy, the European Parliament helps shape the EU’s relations with the world, from trade deals to treaties with non-EU nations, and guides how the Union responds to global challenges.The Parliament operates in three main locations, each with its own role: in Strasbourg, France-the official seat-it meets for 12 plenary sessions every year, the sound of debate echoing through the chamber.Here’s where the Parliament’s big debates, votes, and discussions unfold-the Louise Weiss Building in Strasbourg, a glass-and-steel landmark that hosts its plenary sessions.This modernist building was built to host MEPs, give committees rooms to work in, and handle the Parliament’s day‑to‑day administration.Most committee meetings and specialized sessions happen in Brussels, often in bright rooms overlooking the busy streets.Brussels is home to the European Parliament’s Secretariat, which keeps the legislative gears turning smoothly from inside the glass-and-steel Paul-Henri Spaak and Altiero Spinelli buildings, where you’ll find committee rooms, the President’s office, and MEP workspaces, while Luxembourg City serves as the Parliament’s third base, housing key administrative teams like the Legal Service and Translation Service.It’s less central to the European Parliament’s daily work than Strasbourg or Brussels, where the glass-and-steel Louise Weiss Building in Strasbourg stands as the institution’s main hub and most recognizable landmark.At its heart is a wide hemicycle-a sweeping, semi-circular chamber-where the plenary sessions take place.In Brussels, the Parliament’s buildings offer modern spaces for MEPs-offices with wide windows, meeting rooms that buzz with debate, and public galleries where visitors can watch the action.The Paul-Henri Spaak Building hosts committee work, political group spaces, and a smaller hemicycle than Strasbourg’s, used for informal and special sessions.Nearby, the Altiero Spinelli Building holds administrative offices, committee rooms, and services for MEPs.Under the ordinary legislative procedure, the European Commission proposes laws, and Parliament works with the Council of the European Union to amend, approve, or reject them, shaping rules on everything from consumer rights to climate policy and digital issues.Every five years, voters in each EU member state choose their MEPs through direct elections.In the European Parliament, seats are allocated through proportional representation, so a party’s share of seats matches its share of votes-for example, 20% of the vote means about one-fifth of the seats.In 2019, for the first time, over 400 million people across 27 EU countries could choose their Members of the European Parliament.Once elected, MEPs join committees focused on areas like environmental policy, foreign affairs, or trade, where they argue over proposals, make changes, and cast their votes.They also belong to political groups that unite members with similar beliefs, such as the European People’s Party or the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats.These groups help shape the legislative agenda and work out the details of new laws, sometimes in tense, late-night talks.The President of the European Parliament, elected by MEPs, speaks for the Parliament in dealings with the outside world.The President leads the Parliament by keeping its work running smoothly, keeping debates orderly, and speaking for the institution in dealings with other EU bodies and beyond-whether in Brussels or on the world stage.In many policy areas, the Parliament shares equal law-making power with the Council of the European Union.This gives it real sway over decisions shaping the lives of EU citizens.The Parliament also signs off on the European Commission’s president and each commissioner, much like a final stamp after a long debate.If Parliament rejects the Commission’s work, it can remove the entire body with a no-confidence vote.It also shares budget approval with the Council, deciding where EU funds go and making sure spending stays transparent and accountable.Visitors often wander its glass corridors, proof that the European Parliament is both a political hub and a surprising tourist draw.Visitors can wander through the buildings, sit in on lively debates in the hemicycle, and join hands-on programs to discover how the EU works.In Brussels, the Parliamentarium welcomes visitors as the European Parliament’s official center, with bright displays and interactive exhibits waiting inside.
