Visit the European Parliament in Brussels

If you’re visiting Brussels, a diversion to the European Parliament will allow you to learn a lot about this institution, which can be a bit nebulous for the average person!

You’ll have the chance to discover the huge chamber where the MEPs sit, a hemicycle big enough to accommodate the 705 Members of the European Parliament.

Where is the European Parliament? Which institution is based in Brussels? Why visit the European Parliament? Here are all the answers you need to prepare for your visit!

Where is the European Parliament in Brussels?

While the seat of the European Parliament is in Strasbourg in France, the European Parliament is located in the European Quarter, right in the heart of Brussels, a place that is home to many European institutions. The buildings are surrounded by greenery, with the Parc de Bruxelles, the Palais du Cinquantenaire and the Parc Léopold.

Which European institutions are based in Brussels?

The European Commission, which ensures that European policies are properly applied, proposes legislation and implements the EU budget. It is also where the work of the parliamentary committees is carried out.

But the twelve annual plenary sessions, which bring together the 751 MEPs from all the Member States who are responsible for voting on EU laws, take place in Strasbourg.

Why visit the European Parliament?

It’s the perfect opportunity to find out how the European Parliament works and how the decisions taken in this building affect the daily lives of Europeans – your daily lives. From the work you do to the history of the institution and how it works, this place will hold no more secrets for you!

How does a visit to the European Parliament in Brussels work?

Groups are entitled to a guided tour, with Parliament staff describing the work and role of the European Parliament. It is also possible to meet the MEPs present and visit the hemicycle.

Please note that it is essential to book in advance. Individual visitors can tour the hemicycle with the help of an interactive multimedia guide, follow plenary debates, or book an information session in the hemicycle with one of Parliament’s speakers.

Also to be discovered near the European Parliament in Brussels

The Parlamentarium

Multimedia guides provide a wealth of information on how the European Parliament works and what its Members do. The Parlamentarium is open to the public every day and is free to visit.

The House of European History

The aim of this site is to make European history easily understandable, with all that this implies, and to encourage the sharing of ideas and learning. A history that has in turn divided or united the different countries of Europe.

Admission is free, and you can also visit a permanent exhibition that tells the story of this tumultuous history through a wide variety of media. It’s a fun and informative tour of the profile of Europe, Europe as a world power, the fall and reconstruction, and finally the Europe of today.