The European Parliament and the Council of Europe welcome you

For the first time, the European Parliament and the Council of Europe will jointly organise their Open Day in Strasbourg on Sunday, 14 May, from 10.00 to 18.00.

Visitors will have the opportunity to look around both institutions: start at the main entrance of the European Parliament before taking the footbridge over the River Ill to the Council of Europe building.

European Parliament

  • At 9.30, the Eurocorps will raise the European Union flag to mark the beginning of the open day and the North Germany Big Band will play the European anthem. This will be followed by the official opening ceremony led by Rainer Wieland, Vice-President of the European Parliament, and by Wojciech Sawicki, Secretary-general of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Members of the European Parliament and officials of diplomatic and local authorities will also be present.
  • From 11.00 to 14.00, a debate with citizens will be held in the hemicycle, under the auspices of vice-president Rainer Wieland. It will be moderated by Arte’s journalist Annette Gerlach. Visitors will be allowed to discuss and exchange views with MEPs from various political groups.

Among MEPs taking part in the Open Day, we can mention, among others:

EPP
- Rainer WIELAND (Germany), vice-President
- Anne SANDER (France)

S&D
- Evelyne GEBHARDT (Germany), vice-Président
- Edouard MARTIN (France)

ECR
- Bernd KÖLMEL (Germany)
- Angel DZHAMBAZKI (Bulgaria)

ALDE
- Nathalie GRIESBECK (France)

Interpretation will be provided in French, English and German.

By following the signposted route, visitors will be able to discover how the European Parliament functions while enjoying the entertainment on offer. They will have the chance to meet representatives of the political groups and the European Parliament’s various departments.

Representatives of many associations and other European Union institutions will also be present to talk about the challenges facing the European Union and the work of the European Parliament.

During the day, there will be animations, games about Europe, competitions, shows and concerts. Light catering will be available on the Parliament’s premises.

 

Council of Europe

Visitors will have the opportunity to (re)discover the hemicycle of the Council of Europe, as well as the Committee of Ministers’ room, where sit the 47 representatives of the Member States of the organisation defending human rights, democracy and the rule of law. This area is rarely open to the general public.

Along the way, various activities will be proposed on topics such as the fight against violence against women, children’s rights and sports. A brochure will be offered to each visitor, including a quiz to participate in a tombola. Visitors are invited to collect four stamps along their path, symbolising four places of the building.

Visitors will find catering and drinks outside the Council of Europe.

 

City of Strasbourg

The city and Eurometropole of Strasbourg will open the Lieu d'Europe to visitors, allowing them to relax and take part in cultural activities (art workshops, dance and concerts).

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How to get there

Paying parking « relais-tram » of the local transport company CTS : Rives de l’Aar, Robertsau Boecklin.

Tram E (stops: "Parlement européen" or "Wacken) for entrance / "Droits de l'Homme" for exit)

Boat shuttles: a service of shuttles by boat is offered for free between the "Palais Rohan" and the European Parliament (both ways).

Similarly, the visit being a one-way circuit (from the European Parliament to the Council of Europe), shuttles by boat will be available between the Council of Europe and the European Parliament to enable visitors to get back to their departure point.

The "Courses de Strasbourg" taking place on the same day in this perimeter, which will be closed to circulation, it is strongly recommanded to come by public transport or by bike.