EU Parliament

This is me in front of the European Union Hemicycle. Here in Brussels is where the European Union Parliament meets to Negotiate and draft legislation. From what I understand, the other seat in Strasbourg is used to finalize the legislation. But I am sure they have other diverging responsibilities that we did not discuss. The European Union is made up of countries dedicated to working together. After the world wars, many European nations realized how much destruction can happen by war. It all started with ensuring peaceful cooperation and trade involving coal. Europe started to integrate more with the goal to maintain the peace between the countries through cooperation. Each country must apply, adopt the legislation, and then they will have a certain number of seats where citizen representatives will serve. Right now there are 705 seats in total.

I believe this is so important because it unified a majority of europe. This union values human dignity, freedom, and democracy. They also made it so there can basically be unregulated travel between the countries. The euro was also created. I also like the story of Ursula von der Leyen who is the current president of the European Commision. She is a hard negotiator and got Hungary to provide support to Ukraine, despite Hungary being traditionally a Russia supporter. The European Union also holds the countries accountable to the legislation passed. It can take a really long time to negotiate and draft legislation, but still good things are done, 

Having the European Union Parliament Seat in Brussels is huge for the city and most certainly contributes to this city’s status as a cultural capital. First of all, it brings people from all over Europe. Additionally, I believe that all good legal systems are important to the culture of a city. It shows power and even a certain level of class. It also inspires higher learning, brings in the educated, and this itself elevates the intellectual status of the city. All of Europe looks to Brussels as an important city because it has consequences to their lives as well. In my opinion, the more the impact, the more a city is a cultural capital. 

Comments

  1. Theresa BellMay 8, 2024 at 8:47 PM

    This is wonderful Anna! I think you made some fantastic points about how the EU parliament being located in Brussels makes a huge difference for Brussel's status as a cultural capital. It really does elevate the status of the city! It also causes such an influx of touristry from other parts of Europe, further establishing Brussel's status.

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  2. Sam RichardsonMay 8, 2024 at 9:07 PM


    Great post, Anna! I love how you touched on how having the European Parliament building in Brussels strengthen's Brussels' position as a cultural capital. I agree with all of your thoughts, especially with the fact that having the parliament located in Brussels brings educated minds in to elevate the status of the city. I also agree that it shows the power that Brussels has in the European Union, which is so important to have in this day and age.

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  3. EleaseMay 8, 2024 at 9:13 PM

    I love this post! I think you can use this blog to help you remember the aspects of the EU building that helps to make Brussels a cultural and historical capital. It really puts it on the map because it is a neutral state!

    This city uses many ways to show how politics strengthens its position as a cultural capital. Although it is such a neutral country, because of its neutrality it makes it the perfect place for the European Union which is such a powerful institution.

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  4. Sienna PuckrinMay 10, 2024 at 12:03 AM

    Anna, this post would be great for question 4 on the cities final where it talks about the impact specific institutions have, like the EU. Your mention of what the union values is perfect for what it means to be human. That is what they are trying to protect. That ideal is what contributes to Brussels being a cultural capital. A literally gathering of different cultures to work towards a common goal and surrender personal selfishness.

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  5. Hannah BryanMay 18, 2024 at 11:35 PM

    Anna, this is a really good blog post, I hope that you feel really good about it. It's super well put together. I think it's interesting that you bring up Hungary. I remember I asked about Hungary during the lecture we were given because I was curious about the country's connection to Russia, its opposition to democracy, its regressive policies for women's rights, and the response of the EU to this phenomenon.

    I think your reasoning is really sound that the presence of the EU parliament building would attract educated people to the city and elevates its intellectual status. If I were to change one thing it might be to include a little bit more about the history of Brussels as a European capital and the historical reason for it being centered in European history so often.

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