April 4th, 2023 | NEWS
Belgium: A Journey Through the Heart of Europe
As a (Victory Scholar) student at MTU Cork, a field trip was embedded into my course and subsequently made me a tourist, as my classmates and I visited the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium which was an unforgettable experience. The European Parliament is the legislative body of the European Union, responsible for passing laws and overseeing the work of the European Commission.
My visit started with a tour of the Parliament’s headquarters, which is in the heart of Brussels. The building is an impressive structure, with a large dome-shaped structure that towers over the city’s skyline.
During the tour, I learned about the history of the European Union, the role of the Parliament in the EU’s decision-making process, and the various committees that work within the Parliament. The tour guide also showed us the Hemicycle, the main debating chamber of the Parliament, where members debate and vote on legislation.
One of the highlights of my visit was attending a plenary session of the Parliament. I was able to witness firsthand the debate and voting on important legislation, including environmental protection and consumer rights.
Another highlight of my visit was meeting with my representative in the European Parliament. We discussed my views on various issues and how they aligned with the Parliament’s agenda. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the workings of the EU and the role that the Parliament plays in shaping EU policy.
During my free time, I also explored the beautiful city of Brussels. The Grand Place, the city’s central square, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see attraction.
In conclusion, my time in Belgium visiting the European Parliament was an incredible experience. It was an opportunity to learn about the EU’s decision-making process and to witness firsthand the debate and voting on important legislation. It was also a chance to explore the beautiful city of Brussels and to immerse myself in its rich history and culture.
I would highly recommend this experience to anyone interested in politics and European affairs, and as a Victory Scholar it was nice to be able to experience this opportunity.
– Keonn