An Educational Journey in the ways of the European Parliament.
28th November 2006.

There’s an animated expectation in the air. The coach leaves the narrow, cobbled high sided streets of Old Brussels, (where the Sat Nav won’t work and the driver has had to walk the route the previous evening, to ensure easy access to our destination in the tangled one-way system). The tall narrow streets give way to wider roads, which eventually become four- lane boulevards surrounded by spacious parks, sculptures, fountains, water, and lines of pleached limes resembling citizens holding hands in dance. The bright November sun bounces off tall steel modernity; downy clouds are reflected in the walls of glass.

There is a feeling of important things happening here.

We arrive at the European Parliament where we are to meet Richard Corbett, an MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, a familiar face, as he had already given an introductory talk to U3A members in Ilkley.

The Parliament building soars above us: several stories of steel ribbing, and glass plating, in subtle tints of blues and greys; the semi-circular arched roof of radiating ribs reminiscent of the old London Crystal Palace. Internally, it is uncluttered and capacious, with wall-to-wall carpet, smelling of freshness and elegance. An airport comes to mind, but perhaps the careful security in the entrance hall, with baggage x-rays, body checks and the banning of sharp instruments prompts this thought.

              The Travel Group                                                        Richard Corbett MEP

Disappointingly, we see no sitting of the Parliament, only the cleaners dusting the amphitheatre with its 750 or more seats and desks curving round the central dais where the 25 flags (soon to be 27) of the member states are displayed. The interpreters’ booths are situated up high around the perimeter reminding us of the democratic policy of the EU Parliament, where every MEP, no matter what his native tongue, can listen to the proceedings. Even Gaelic is catered for. The democratic policy filters down to us citizens through our ability to elect members of the European Parliament. This voting right of the individual member is unique amongst international organisations. Democracy is taken further in that citizens can have recourse to the European Court of Justice. It all seems so plush, expensive, and extravagant, especially when we learn that this entire environment is repeated in Strasbourg, where the parliament meets for one week of each month. However, we are told that the total budget for the running of the European parliament is only 2% of the British budget for Pensions and Social Security. Furthermore, the European Commission (the administrative branch of the E.U.) employs no more people than does Leeds City Council.

Richard fields searching questions from our U3A group. The EU has cut red tape and replaced many incomparable and often conflicting rules between countries, resulting in a common simplified European approach. We may complain that there is a lot of talk in the European parliament, but as Churchill once said, “it is better to jaw jaw than to war war”. Now the general opinion is that the EU has been vital for peace and prosperity in Europe for the last 50 years. Yes, important things do happen here.

All this education and learning needs digesting, so we wander back towards Old Brussels, dodge the busy traffic, which politely accommodates our jaywalking, and call into a cafe. A continental lunch seems even more attractive when it is washed down with Belgian beer (some of which is 8.5% alcohol). What we didn’t know is that almost every inhabitant in Brussels smokes – everywhere, including restaurants. We sit in the ‘no smoking’ area where even here the murky atmosphere is only slightly diluted.

Expecting the Belgian November weather to be bone chilling, I am surprised. The sun shines, there is no wind, and one can be warm enough without a coat. The cafes still have their outdoor seats and tables, the horse driven landaus have their hoods down, and the mediaeval market place is filled with people strolling in the winter sunshine, watching the workmen put the final touches to the Christmas displays and seasonal market stalls.

We are sorry to return to the ferry. Smugly passing through ‘nothing to declare’ with a case filled with Belgian chocolates, I wonder what company I keep when travelling with U3A. For, just behind me, a customs drug sniffer dog has stopped at one of our party. Drugs? Surely not!

The dog in question has a very sharp nose, for the U3A member isn’t carrying drugs after all.

Nevertheless, we have all returned better educated about our responsibilities as European citizens. When it comes to the European elections, we shall be more interested in the issues, better understand the system, and have greater motivation to vote for our representatives.

Ann Butler. 6th December 2006.