European Parliament | Strasbourg

The European Parliament is one of the key institutions of the European Union (EU) and plays a central role in the legislative process of the EU, representing the people of its member states. It is located in Strasbourg, France, with additional facilities in Brussels, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

1. Overview

• Location: The main seat of the European Parliament is in Strasbourg, where its plenary sessions are held. However, its committee meetings and some additional functions take place in Brussels, while administrative services are located in Luxembourg.
• Function: The European Parliament is responsible for passing legislation, approving budgets, and monitoring the work of the European Commission and other EU institutions. It represents citizens of the EU and works to ensure their voices are heard in the EU decision-making process.

2. History

• The European Parliament has its origins in the European Parliamentary Assembly, which was established in 1952 under the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). The assembly’s members were initially appointed by national parliaments.
• In 1979, the European Parliament became directly elected by EU citizens for the first time, strengthening its democratic legitimacy and making it more representative of European citizens.

Since then, the powers and influence of the European Parliament have grown significantly. Over time, it has acquired more legislative authority, particularly after the Single European Act (1986) and the Lisbon Treaty (2009), which expanded the Parliament’s role in EU decision-making.

3. Structure

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs): The Parliament is composed of 705 MEPs, who are directly elected by EU citizens every five years. The number of MEPs allocated to each country is roughly proportional to its population, with larger countries having more representatives.

Political Groups: MEPs are not organized by nationality, but by political groups. The largest groups include the European People's Party (EPP), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), and the Renew Europe group, among others.

Presidency: The Parliament is presided over by a President, elected by MEPs for a two-and-a-half-year term. The President is responsible for overseeing debates, maintaining order, and representing the European Parliament in international affairs.

4. The European Parliament Building in Strasbourg

The main building of the European Parliament in Strasbourg is located on the Rhone River. The complex is an impressive architectural site and serves as the focal point of the institution’s activities.

The Louise Weiss Building: The European Parliament’s headquarters in Strasbourg is housed in the Louise Weiss Building, which was inaugurated in 1999. It is named after Louise Weiss, a prominent French journalist and political activist who advocated for the creation of the European Parliament.

The building's modern design features a large circular chamber used for plenary sessions, where MEPs debate and vote on EU legislation. The Plenary Chamber is a distinctive, open-plan space, which is a departure from traditional parliamentary settings. The building is also home to offices, meeting rooms, and committee chambers.

Architecture: The design of the Louise Weiss Building is inspired by the idea of openness, symbolizing the EU’s democratic values and transparency. The central structure is surrounded by a ring of glass, which allows natural light into the building and offers expansive views of the surrounding area. It is designed to reflect the dynamic and multi-national nature of the European Parliament and its work.

Sustainability: The Louise Weiss Building is also noted for its sustainable features, such as solar panels, an energy-efficient heating and cooling system, and natural ventilation. The architecture of the building highlights the EU's commitment to environmental responsibility.

5. The Role of the European Parliament

The European Parliament plays a critical role in the functioning of the EU, and its powers have expanded over the years. It is involved in a range of legislative and political processes, including:

Legislating: The European Parliament shares the responsibility for making laws with the European Council (the member state governments). Through the ordinary legislative procedure, the Parliament debates, amends, and votes on proposed EU laws.

Budgetary Authority: The European Parliament has co-decision-making powers regarding the EU’s budget, alongside the European Council. It approves or rejects the annual EU budget, influencing how funds are allocated across various EU projects and initiatives.

Scrutinizing the European Commission: The Parliament monitors the work of the European Commission, the executive body of the EU. It can approve or reject the nomination of European Commissioners and can hold them accountable through hearings, debates, and questions.

Human Rights and Foreign Policy: The European Parliament is also involved in shaping the EU's foreign policy, particularly in human rights issues, and has the power to pass resolutions on international matters, including trade agreements, the environment, and humanitarian crises.

Electing the President of the European Commission: The European Parliament has the power to approve the President of the European Commission, who is nominated by the European Council. This procedure ensures that the European Parliament’s consent is needed for key appointments in the EU’s executive branch.

6. The Plenary Sessions

The Plenary Sessions of the European Parliament are held in Strasbourg about 12 times a year. These sessions are where MEPs debate and vote on various legislative proposals, reports, and resolutions.

• Debates: Plenary sessions allow MEPs to discuss important topics such as climate change, trade agreements, migration policies, and human rights.
• Voting: The plenary sessions culminate in votes on legislative proposals, and these decisions have a significant impact on the daily lives of EU citizens.

7. Visiting the European Parliament

The European Parliament in Strasbourg is open to the public, and visitors can take guided tours to learn about the EU’s history, the parliamentary process, and its role in global affairs. The Parliamentarium, located within the building, offers interactive exhibits that provide insights into the history of the EU, its institutions, and the work of the European Parliament.

8. Conclusion

The European Parliament in Strasbourg is not only a significant political institution but also an architectural landmark that embodies the values of democracy, cooperation, and unity in the European Union. As the directly elected body representing EU citizens, it plays a crucial role in shaping EU legislation, ensuring accountability, and upholding the principles of the Union. With its modern design and extensive legislative powers, it continues to be a symbol of Europe's shared future and democratic values.