FRBV26 DEM -CC A visit to the European Parliament in Brussels

After exploring the historic centre of Brussels, we visited the European Parliament. The trip was organised by two coordinators from the Maison de l’Europe in Dunkirk. The building is truly impressive, both for its scale and its modern architecture. In the lobby, sections of the famous Berlin Wall are symbolically displayed. We first passed through a security check, where a receptionist welcomed us, saying, “Welcome home, this is your home,” before handing us our badges. We then took the lift to the seventh floor to a small conference room. There, we were greeted by a Slovenian communications officer who gave a presentation in English. Using a slideshow, he explained the origins of the European Union and, more specifically, the role and inner workings of the Parliament. It is a place where 27 countries are represented and vital legislation is passed, such as laws to combat pollution.

The officer then took us to see the hemicycle—the chamber where MEPs hold their debates. In the hemicycle, members are not seated by country but by political group. Currently, younger MEPs tend to lean toward the Greens or the Left, while older members are often more conservative.The role of translators and interpreters is essential ; special booths are reserved for them around the chamber to provide simultaneous interpretation during debates. However, not all languages are necessarily translated; three "pivot languages"—German, English, and French—are prioritised for discussions. The rise of Artificial Intelligence may change these practices in the future. After these fascinating explanations, we thanked our guide and took group photos from the gallery overlooking the hemicycle.

The students and their teachers explored a key institution of the European Union : the European Parliament in Brussels and its hemicycle. They learned about its history and how it functions. The visit and the presentation helped them become aware of their European identity and, for the students, develop their sense of citizenship. They also understood the importance of mastering a foreign language, particularly English, which enables 27 countries to discuss and vote on essential laws for the benefit of all.