Strasbourg European Parliament session canceled again

The European Parliament building in Strasbourg.

-

• Expected in Strasbourg, almost promised, prepared, the next session of the European Parliament will finally be held in Brussels.

• This is the sixth session in a row, since March and the start of the coronavirus crisis, to be held in Brussels.

• A cancellation which suggests others.

  Especially the next one, in October.

Strasbourg said it was ready.

Ready to host the next session of the European Parliament, from September 14th to 17th.

The first in the Alsatian capital since the coronavirus pandemic in Europe, in March.

The authorities, like the supporters of the European headquarters in Strasbourg, were trying to reassure MEPs after six months of absence.

In vain.

The President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, announced on Tuesday the cancellation of this plenary session.

It will be held in Brussels.

The reason given?

"The rise of the pandemic in many member states and the decision adopted yesterday by the French authorities to classify the entire Bas-Rhin department in the red zone".

But also because the transfer of the administration of the European Parliament would require that all staff be quarantined on their return to Brussels.

A situation which has reinforced the many reluctance expressed by MEPs, even if Brussels itself has been in the red zone for several weeks.

Does this situation once again illustrate the battle for the seat of Parliament?

MEP Fabienne Keller, also former mayor of the Alsatian capital, said “deeply regret this decision.

"Yesterday again, she denounced" clearly the instrumentalisation of the Covid by the anti-Strasbourg "and confided to

that" this is not a reason not to come.

European parliamentarians, whether they come to Strasbourg or Brussels, are exposed to the same epidemiological situation.

All guarantees were given to make it as smooth as possible.

We all have to live with this epidemic and take all the necessary measures.

"

"The city was ready"

On the French side, and in particular from Parliament, the mobilization was strong.

In a press release, the mayor of Strasbourg, Jeanne Barseghian, a few days ago underlined "the major stake for Strasbourg and for European democracy" and testified to her commitment with the Secretary of State for European Affairs, Clément Beaune, the prefect, the ARS, to "welcome in the best conditions the European deputies, their collaborators and the agents of the Parliament."

"

Many “guarantees” have been given to MEPs.

Regular meetings between the prefect, the ARS and the Parliament, reinforced protocols both in Strasbourg transport and in hotels, which had to be accredited, restaurants, in which health checks had to be reinforced.

On the Parliament side, the physical presence of staff had to be reduced to a minimum, ie about a third of the usual workforce.

And to ensure physical distancing in the hemicycle, it was coupled to another room.

Restrictions had also been planned in the various restaurants in Parliament.

In vain.

In a press release, Clément Beaune and the mayor of Strasbourg, Jeanne Barseghian, indicate "take note with regret of this decision" and will continue to "work closely together to allow a rapid return of the European Parliament to its headquarters, in compliance with health rules and on the basis of a strict protocol.

"

A cancellation, strong symbolically, and which unfortunately suggests others, especially in October.

A blow also for the hotel industry and the restaurants of the city, severely affected by these repeated cancellations ...

World

Coronavirus: European Trade Commissioner apologizes after violating health restrictions for gala dinner

Strasbourg

Coronavirus: First European virtual summit on the Commission's recovery plan

• Brussels

• Strasbourg

• Covid 19

• European Parliament

• Coronavirus