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 noon: 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. Reservation are compulsory for individual or group visitors.
Due to limited capacity inside the building, we encourage you to apply for a guided visit outside the session, in case your request for a guided visit during the session could not be granted.
Individual visit
During plenary sessions, a limited number of seats are available for individuals, families, and small groups of up to 9 people to attend and sit in the visitor gallery the session, follow the debates, and explore the Parlamentarium Simone Veil, as well as other exhibitions. The visit to the hemicycle lasts around 30 minutes due to capacity reasons.
Prior registration is required for individuals wishing to visit the hemicycle, and bringing a valid ID is compulsory. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Please check the visiting times for the dates of plenary sessions in Strasbourg.
Opening hours
| Monday | Tuesday, Wednesday | Thursday |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 − 12:00*; 17:00 − 18:00 | 09:00 − 18:00 Last entrance at 17:00 |
09:00 − 12:00 |
Last entrance at 17:00
| Friday* | Saturday* | |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 − 18:00 Last entrance at 17:00 |
09:30 - 12:00 ; 13:00 – 18:00 Last entrance at 17:00 |
Last entrance at 17:00
Last entrance at 17:00
*On Monday mornings (09:30 − 12:00), Fridays and Saturdays (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 – 2025: 01-03/01, 18/04, 21/04, 01/05, 03/05, 29/05, 09/06, 11-14/06, 14/07, 15/08, 01/11, 24/12-05/01/2026.
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.
Groups are welcome to visit the Parlamentarium Simone Veil and exhibitions before or after the visit to the Hemicycle.
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.
- Photocopies of IDs and driving licenses are not accepted.
- Minors under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
- 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.
- Animals are allowed in the buildings only as trained guides for visually impaired persons or to assist persons with reduced mobility.
- 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 33112 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: 10.2024
