The European Parliament in Strasbourg: history, architecture and events

Passing through the Alsatian capital, are you planning a visit to the European Parliament of Strasbourg? Whether you are passionate about politics, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious to discover Strasbourg's role in Europe, this European political center should please you. Focus on its role, its history, and its events.

The role of the European Parliament of Strasbourg

The European Parliament of Strasbourg occupies a central place as one of the three official seats of the European Parliament. The other two are located in Brussels and Luxembourg. This association is a key institution of the European Union (EU). It represents the citizens of the EU.

The parliamentary body of the EU is elected by direct universal suffrage, which means that citizens directly elect their MEPs. The latter meet in this place to debate, vote on legislation, and discuss subjects concerning the construction of a new Europe.

Currently, the European Parliament is made up of 705 MEPs, representing approximately 360 million registered voters from the 27 EU Member States. This is the second largest electorate in the world.

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Strasbourg, with its rich history and strategic geographical position, is the ideal place to house the European Parliament. After the Second World War, the city was chosen as a symbol of European reconciliation, and hosted the nascent European institutions. In 1949, it became the seat of the Council of Europe, then in 1958, of the European Parliamentary Assembly (renamed "European Parliament" in 1962).

The European Parliament of Strasbourg is a major political player in the EU. It holds legislative, budgetary and political control powers. It actively participates in EU governance and the strengthening of European integration.

In addition to this institution, Strasbourg also hosts:

• the Council of Europe;
• the European Court of Human Rights;
• the operational site of eu-LISA;
• the European Ombudsman;
• the secretariat of the Assembly of European Regions;
• the Eurocorps headquarters;
• the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine.

Unique architectural characteristics

The European Parliament of Strasbourg, also known as the Louise-Weiss building, is a true architectural work. It was inaugurated in 1999 and designed by the association of architects Architecture Studio. This impressive building, located in the Orangerie district and near the Palais des Congrès, blends harmoniously into the Strasbourg landscape.

Its architecture stands out for its symbolic and innovative character. It has a monumental glass facade of 13,000 m², evoking the democratic transparency of the European Union. A tower of glass and sandstone, 60 meters high, seems unfinished. It symbolizes the idea of a constantly evolving European project.

The building, with a total surface area of 220,000 m², is divided into different volumes, a design which reflects a unified and constantly evolving democracy. The arch, which runs along the banks of the Ill and the Marne-Rhine canal, houses work, communication and relaxation areas. The building also includes an impressive hemicycle, the largest in Europe, where MEPs meet for their sessions.

The permanent exhibitions of this European institution

The European Parliament of Strasbourg offers its visitors permanent exhibitions that highlight the richness of the culture, art, and history of the European Union.

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Among the permanent exhibitions, the Parlamentarium Simone Veil, the first French woman President of the European Parliament, stands out. This immersive space allows visitors to better understand the functioning of European democracy thanks to interactive devices, including a role-playing game. You will also discover the people who represent you at the European level and the current challenges.

The Louise Weiss exhibition retraces the story of a woman who dedicated her life to the defense of the European idea. Her commitment as an activist, journalist, writer, and parliamentarian has left an indelible mark on Europe. This is why the building still bears her name today.

Finally, the exhibition on the Schuman Declaration will allow you to better understand the challenges facing Europe in 1950. You will learn more about the man behind this historic declaration as well as the reasons why Europe Day is celebrated on May 9.

Events and plenary sessions

The European Parliament of Strasbourg is animated by a variety of events throughout the year: Europe Day in May, the ceremony of the European film award for the public in June, the Heritage Days in September, and the ceremony of the Sakharov Prize in December. As a visitor, you can participate in these special meetings.

During a unique immersive experience, high school students can become members of the European Parliament for a day thanks to the Euroscola program in Strasbourg. They thus discover European parliamentary democracy in concrete terms.

During seminars, young people have the opportunity to participate in debates on major issues alongside other young Europeans, and to present their solutions to an MEP.

Finally, you can seize the opportunity to see European democracy in action by visiting the Parliament during plenary sessions. This experience, with European communities and authorities, will allow you to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the largest transnational parliament in the world.

The European Parliament in Strasbourg also offers online events and activities on social networks. Go to the dedicated page on the European Parliament website to learn more!

Practical information for visiting the European Parliament in Strasbourg

Are you planning to go to the European Parliament? Take tram line E and get off at the European Parliament stop. It is also possible to opt for the bus: 464D stop.

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All visits include the plenary hall, the hemicycle, the Parlamentarium Simone Veil as well as the permanent and temporary exhibitions. Visits are completely free and last approximately one hour. Although reservations are not mandatory, they are strongly recommended for groups. The self-guided tour is done using multimedia guides, available in the 24 official languages of the European Union.

Opening hours may vary during plenary sessions. We invite you to consult the hours on the European Parliament website to plan your visit.

By visiting the European Parliament, you have free access the same week to the Alsace-Moselle Memorial in Schirmeck.

Do not hesitate to continue your exploration by visiting the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights, which are also located nearby. Then join us for a well-deserved moment of relaxation in our comfortable hotel at the B&B HOTEL Strasbourg Nord Schiltigheim!