European Parliament

Today we went to the European Parliament! I learned a lot today. Before going in, we learned that it’s run by the European Union, and the president of that right now is Ursula von der Leyen. She’s not the first woman to be the president, but definitely one of the best. The first thing I saw was how big the building is. I don’t know if I was expecting it to be a lot smaller, but I thought it was a pretty great size! I noticed the inside was decently modern, which I expected a little bit. I noticed all of the different flags, and that was super cool! I noticed how big the meeting room was, and truly how many seats there were! 


I believe the European Parliament is important both historically and culturally for a few reasons. The biggest being politics. Politics make it a cultural and political capital. It also embodies the different voices and interests of all European nations. It’s important historically because the European Parliament represents the reuniting of states, bringing peace and unity. It’s important culturally because it celebrates the amazing things of Europe. The languages, traditions, identities, and so much more. It plays a role as a platform for debate, representation, and legislation, and shapes the future of the continent. 


In my opinion, the European Parliament contributes to this city’s status as a cultural capital in a few different aspects. First being the diverse and international atmosphere. With officials, diplomats, and staff from all over, it acts like a melting pot for languages, customs, and different opinions. This diversity impacts the city promoting cross-cultural exchanges. Another aspect I think a lot of people don’t think about is the architectural aspect. For example, the iconic Hemicycle brings visitors and locals in, which contributes to Brussels’ allure as a cultural hub. The Parliament’s presence also attracts people into Brussels, adding to its cultural scene. 


Bye! 

Sophie 



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