"Capital of the European Union" Brussels Travelogue by Klod5

Belgium was a founder member of the European Community, and Brussels has become the capital of the European Union, with many of the main EU institutions located here.

The European Parliament

The offices of the European Union (EU) are located around the Rond Point Schuman, east of the old city. The main building is the Berlaymont, a 1960s office block built to house the European Commission, which is currently empty and covered in protective sheeting while workmen remove hazardous asbestos panels. The work was due to be completed this year, with the 20 European Commissioners and their staff scheduled to move back into the building. However, the project is considerably delayed. We visited a smaller block where some of the offices and meeting rooms of the European Commission are currently housed.

The European Parliament

The Council of Ministers building is located here and covers a huge area. Nearby is the striking modern building (opened in February 1998) where the European Parliament meets during its sessions in Brussels.

The European Parliament

The Council of Ministers building is located here and covers a huge area. Nearby is the striking modern building (opened in February 1998) where the European Parliament meets during its sessions in Brussels.

The European Parliament

The Parliament's main base is Strasbourg, where the it has recently moved into an expensive new building, courtesy of the French government. However, one week in each month the Parliament holds committee meetings and a plenary session in Brussels. We come here to observe a plenary session - the meeting of all 626 MEPs in a full assembly.

The European Parliament

In Brussels, the Parliament is also housed in a new home - the Altiero Spinelli building -constructed by the Belgian government and reflecting the continuing tussle between Belgium and France over where the Parliament should be based.

The European Parliament

The European Parliament is the only body of the EU whose members are directly elected by the citizens of its member states. In the last 10 years Parliament has gained new influence – it shares law-making powers with the Council of Ministers, and last year forced the resignation of the entire Commission following its inquiry into fraud and mismanagement.

Parliament’s meetings are divided between Strasbourg and Brussels. There are 626 MEPs, with seats allotted according to the population of each member state. Germany has the largest representation, with 99 seats.

The European Parliament

The UK sends MEPs to the Parliament, 10 of them representing NW England including Arlene McCarthy who we met during our visit to the Parliament. She is Labour’s European Spokesperson on Regional Policy and has been actively involved in the debate on the future of European grants to the UK.

A lot of Parliament’s work is done in committees that review legislation proposed by the European Commission. These committees often propose amendments to the legislation before submitting it to the Council of Ministers. The parliament may veto a proposal after it reaches the Council of Ministers if it disagrees with the Council’s position. The European Parliament also works with the Council of Ministers on the EU budget and can reject a budget plan if agreement cannot be reached within the council.