The European Parliament

Strasbourg embodies Europe through its history and geographical position at the crossroads of influences and conflicts. After World War II, the city was chosen to host the emerging European institutions, becoming the seat of the Council of Europe in 1949. In 1958, it welcomed the European Parliamentary Assembly, which was renamed the European Parliament in 1962.

This institution, which evolved from an assembly of appointed members to an elected parliament, is now a major political actor in the European Union, representing nearly 450 million European citizens. Composed of 720 members elected for five years, it holds legislative, budgetary, and political oversight powers, and is the largest directly elected parliamentary assembly in the world.

The European Parliament is housed in an iconic building designed by Architecture Studio. Inaugurated in 1999, this architectural gem of glass and metal impresses with its transparency and elegance. Its 13,000 m² glass façade reflects in the water, symbolizing the democratic openness of the European Union. The 60-meter elliptical tower, hollowed and notched towards the cathedral, evokes a European project in perpetual construction. The rounded inner courtyard and the three interior streets, including one arranged as a winter garden with a forest of philodendrons, add to the majesty of the place. With a total area of 220,000 m², the building houses a hemicycle with over 750 seats, the largest in Europe, as well as 1,133 offices and 18 committee rooms.

A visit to the plenary chamber allows you to experience the unique atmosphere of this transnational parliament, where the most important debates and votes take place. Visits also include the Parlamentarium Simone Veil, an interactive exhibition explaining the role of the European Parliament and how the European project functions, accessible to all audiences.