How many meetings sessions does the European Parliament have throughout the year and where do they take place?
In general, in the course of a year, Parliament holds 12 four-day part-sessions in Strasbourg and six two-day part-sessions in Brussels. Several initiatives have been launched by Members to avoid meeting in Strasbourg.
How Brussels became capital of the European Union?
It became the capital of the EU by stealth, in stoemelings as the Brussels dialect puts it, essentially because of the inability of the six, then nine, then twelve, then fifteen, then twenty five and now twenty eight member states to decide which city this capital should be.
What is the European Parliament plenary?
The high point of the European Parliament’s political activity, plenary sittings represent the culmination of the legislative work done in committee and in the political groups. For many years the Parliament was simply a forum for debate, a purely consultative body.
When did Brussels became the capital of Belgium?
In 1830 came revolution; Belgium won its independence, and, in the constitution adopted by the newly elected National Congress, Brussels, which had played a major role in the uprising against the Kingdom of the Netherlands, was named the capital of Belgium and the seat of government.
Which country capital is Brussels?
capital of Belgium
Brussels, Flemish Brussel, French Bruxelles, city, capital of Belgium. It is located in the valley of the Senne (Flemish: Zenne) River, a small tributary of the Schelde (French: Escaut). Greater Brussels is the country’s largest urban agglomeration.
Does the European Parliament meet in Strasbourg or Brussels?
The Parliament is headquartered in Strasbourg, France, and has its administrative offices in Luxembourg City. Plenary sessions take place in Strasbourg as well as in Brussels, Belgium, while the Parliament’s committee meetings are held primarily in Brussels.
What is Europe’s oldest parliament?
The Cortes of León from year 1188 was a parliamentary body in the medieval Kingdom of León. According to the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme, it is the oldest documentary manifestation of the European parliamentary system with some temporal continuity.
Where in Europe is Strasbourg?
Strasbourg is situated at the eastern border of France with Germany. This border is formed by the Rhine , which also forms the eastern border of the modern city, facing across the river to the German town Kehl .
Is Britain in Europe?
Great Britain is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of continental Europe. With an area of 209,331 km 2 (80,823 sq mi), it is the largest of the British Isles , the largest European island , and the ninth-largest island in the world .