The European Parliament in Strasbourg – During plenary session
A visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg during plenary sessions is a great way to see democracy in action. Twelve times a year, Members of the European Parliament sit in the Hemicycle to debate and pass EU legislation that affects the lives of millions of citizens. Plenary sessions are a unique opportunity to listen to your representatives and European leaders speak about what the EU is doing to tackle the most important issues of our time.
Plenary sessions in Strasbourg take place from Monday afternoon to Thursday evening: Have a look at the calendar of plenary sessions
Visits are always free of charge and available in any of the 24 official languages of the European Union. No reservation is needed for individual visitors but booking in advance is required for groups and subject to availability.
Individual visit
During plenary sessions, it is possible to sit in the visitor gallery, follow the debate, and visit the Parlamentarium Simone Veil and exhibitions.
Individual visitors, including small groups of less than 20 people, are not required to book their visit. A limited number of places are available for individual visitors to follow the session for up to 30 minutes. Entry is on a first come, first served basis.
Opening hours
| Monday | Tuesday, Wednesday | |
|---|---|---|
| 09:30 − 12:00*; 17:00 − 18:00 | 09:00 − 12:00; 15:00 − 18:00 |
| Thursday | Friday* | |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 − 12:00 | 09:00 − 18:00 |
*On Monday mornings (09:30 − 12:00) and Fridays (09:00 − 18:00), during plenary weeks, individual visits are possible with a multimedia guide without prior reservation. However, no debates will take place in the Hemicycle during these times.
The building is closed on Sundays and on the following days – 2023: 01-02/01, 06-10/04, 01/05, 12/05, 18-19/05, 29/05, 08-10/06, 14-15/08, 01-02/11, 25/12-02/01/2024.
Group visit
Groups (20 to 100 people) can organise a visit to the European Parliament during plenary session in the 24 official languages of the European Union. Group visits should be booked 2-3 months in advance and are subject to availability.
Groups can attend a presentation by a staff member, followed by a question and answer session, and watch the plenary debate from the Hemicycle visitor gallery for 30 minutes. It is also possible to organise a meeting with a Member of the European Parliament, upon request and availability.
Groups are welcome to visit the Parlamentarium Simone Veil and exhibitions before or after the visit to the Hemicycle.
Opening hours
| Monday | Tuesday, Wednesday | Thursday |
|---|---|---|
| 14:30 − 18:00 | 08:30 − 18:00 | 08:30 – 12:30 |
The Alsace-Moselle Memorial in Schirmeck
Groups visiting the European Parliament in Strasbourg can also visit the Alsace-Moselle Memorial in Schirmeck for free during the same week of their visit. Groups must show their booking confirmation to benefit from free entry.
Find out more information about plenary sessions
Accessibility
The European Parliament is committed to constantly improving access for people with disabilities. If you or someone in your group requires special assistance, please notify the visitor service in advance:
Facilities
A cloakroom, located at the visitor entrance just after the security control point, is only available during plenary sessions.
A cafeteria is open in the visitor area. Groups can reserve by contacting restauration-reservation-strasbourg@ext.europarl.europa.eu in advance.
Security
Security and safety are priorities for the European Parliament. For that reason, a number of security measures are in place in and around our buildings. In order to ensure a safe visit for all, we invite you to read and comply with these measures:
- A valid identity document (national ID card or passport) is required to access European Parliament buildings. If you registered in advance and you provided your ID document details, you must bring this same document to the Parliament on the day of your visit.
- All visitors and bags are subject to airport-style security checks before entry. Firearms, explosive or inflammable substances, pepper sprays, sharp items and other objects that could be considered weapons are prohibited. In accordance with national legislation, certain prohibited items may be handed over to the police.
- No trolleys, suitcases, or other large luggage are allowed into the buildings.
- If an access pass has been issued, visitors must visibly wear it whilst in the Parliament buildings.
- Photography and filming are permitted inside the visitor area, but are prohibited in the security area and in the Hemicycle gallery during plenary sessions as well as in restaurants and bars. For more information, please consult the Rules Governing Recordings on the Premises of the European Parliament.
- If the fire alarm goes off, leave the building immediately without running and follow the instructions given by the security staff and evacuation volunteers.
- For any safety emergency, call 85112 from any internal phone.
- Some areas are subject to video surveillance in accordance with the European Parliament Video Protection Policy.
- If you feel unwell, please stay at home and postpone your visit. We will be happy to welcome you back when you are feeling better.
Last update: 08.2023
