This sleek building testifies to the growing importance of the governing body of the European Union, which used to make do with rental offices in the Palais de l'Europe. Eurocrats continue to commute between Brussels, Luxembourg, and Strasbourg, hauling their staff and files with them. One week per month, visitors can slip into the hemicycle and witness the tribune in debate, complete with simultaneous translation. Note: you must obtain a written appointment beforehand and provide a pièce d'identité before entering.

Construction of the glass, metal and wood building was completed in 1999. Its sleek design soars impressively. Simply going inside the building, to the centre of its hollow oval tower will give you a sense of its grandeur. The tower opens out towards the Cathedral. The building’s total surface area is 220,000 sq. metres! It includes a hemicycle with more than 800 seats, 1,133 offices and 18 commission rooms used by the Members of the European Parliament elected by the Member States of the European Union. The European Parliament represents the largest parliamentary assembly elected by direct universal suffrage in the world. THE PARLAMENTARIUM SIMONE VEIL A visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg includes the parlamentarium Simone Veil. Dynamic and interactive by design, the parlamentarium is an immersive experience that shows the work of the European Parliament and how it impacts the lives of citizens. Featuring a stunning 360° cinema and touchscreen tables, the parlamentarium helps visitors to better understand the role of the European Parliament. The parlamentarium lays out the process behind making law for the whole of Europe and explains what the Members of the European Parliament are doing to meet the challenges of today. More information about visits here: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/visiting/en/visitor-offer/strasbourg/hemicycle-outside-plenary-sessions

The city of Strasbourg in France is the official seat of the European Parliament. The institution is legally bound to meet there twelve sessions a year lasting about four days each. Other work takes place in Brussels and Luxembourg City. Also all votes of the European Parliament must take place in Strasbourg. "Additional" sessions and committees take place in Brussels. Although de facto a majority of the Parliament's work is now geared to its Brussels site, it is legally bound to keep Strasbourg as its official home. The Parliament's five buildings, all named after distinguished European politicians, are located in the Quartier Européen of the city, which it shares with other European organisations which are separate from the European Union's. Previously the Parliament used to share the same assembly room as the Council of Europe. Today, the principal building is the Louise Weiss building, inaugurated in 1999.