The Parlamentarium Simone Veil
The Parlamentarium lays out the process behind making law for the whole of Europe and explains what the Members of the European Parliament are doing to meet the challenges of today. Visitors can also find out more about and contact each Member of the European Parliament. Visits are available in any of the 24 official European Union languages.
Opening hours
| Outside plenary sessions | Monday − Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00−18:00 | 09:30 − 12:00 ; 13:00 − 18:00 |
Last entrance: 17:00.
| During plenary sessions | 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.
Please note that the European Parliament is closed on Sundays, office closing days and public holidays.
In 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.
Who was Simone Veil?
The Parlamentarium in Strasbourg is named in honour of Simone Veil, the first president after European elections began and the first woman to hold the office. As a survivor of the Holocaust, her term as president from 1979 until 1982 is deeply symbolic, demonstrating the strength of European reconciliation. Fighting for gender equality and human rights was a major feature of Veil’s life, campaigning against the injustices that she had experienced first-hand.
Accessibility
The European Parliament is committed to constantly improving access for people with disabilities. Should you or someone in your group require special assistance, please notify us 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
