• After more than fifteen months of absence, MEPs returned to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Monday, for a plenary session which will last four days.

  • "A big breath is launched on Strasbourg and is part, with the upcoming reopening, in a movement which brings us closer to normal life", enthuses the Alsatian MEP Anne Sander.

  • About 80 parliamentarians were present on Monday, out of the 705 elected.

    "I was told about 50% presence for the next few days", assures the mayor of the Alsatian capital Jeanne Barseghian.

Finally some movement!

At the entrance of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, it is the excitement on Monday.

CRS coaches on either side of the entrance, armed with security agents in black suits, vans dropping off parliamentary staff… And even some of them taking pictures of themselves in front of the famous building.

It must be said that the moment is almost historic.

The Alsatian capital has not hosted a plenary session for nearly sixteen months.

Since February 2020 and the start of the Covid-19 health crisis.

A situation which had caused some diplomatic friction, to the point that Emmanuel Macron had intervened publicly several times to recall the importance of the Strasbourg seat.

Around 80 MEPs sat on Monday

"This is where the heart of European democracy beats", the French Head of State repeated on May 9, when he came to Strasbourg.

Almost a month later, the hemicycle where he spoke once again found its usefulness.

A real victory for some MEPs, starting with two of the three “regional stage”, Fabienne Keller and Anne Sander.

"A great breath is launched on Strasbourg and is part, with the forthcoming reopening, in a movement which brings us closer to normal life", enthuses the latter, representative of Les Républicains and member of the European People's Party.

"I am very happy, it is a strong moment for democracy", adds the former mayor of the city, she also delighted to see her sisters and brothers "deconfining themselves".

Not all.

For the symbolic opening of the session on Monday, around 80 MEPs sat on Monday.

Of the 705 elected across the continent and against the 350 to 400 who regularly sign the deed of presence in Brussels… “I was told about 50% attendance for the next few days,” assures the current councilor of the Alsatian capital , Jeanne Barseghian, aware that current health constraints do not encourage travel.

"In July, everything will be easier"

As the votes are all electronic, parliamentarians can vote from their homes. But for those who would like to come before returning to Brussels, a mandatory quarantine of one week would be imposed on them upon their return to Belgium. Only if they spend more than 48 hours in Alsace, hence the organization set up by part of this parliamentary caravan in order to optimize travel as much as possible ...

"In July, everything will be simpler", sweeps Jeanne Barseghian, repeating her joy at "seeing so much activity in this large hive!"

"" Strasbourg is the heart of European democracy and also lives to the rhythm of the sessions.

There is an entire economic ecosystem around that has suffered from their absence.

I am not fooled by the desire of certain MEPs to weaken the Strasbourg headquarters, but I also know that many are very happy to come back ”, continues the environmentalist mayor.

"Sitting in Strasbourg is part of our mandate"

An element of language taken up by his predecessor at the post.

“Here, we are far from lobbies and technocracy.

We often have moments of discussion that we cannot have in Brussels ”, judges Fabienne Keller, not tender with her colleagues who would not come.

“Sitting in Strasbourg is part of our mandate.

"

"No MEP has an excuse not to come, even for the 200 who live in Brussels", summarizes Anne Sander before entering the hemicycle.

The bell has just rung several times.

It is time to open the session.

"I welcome you to Strasbourg," launches the president of the body, David Sassoli.

It is a very important day for the European Parliament.

After more than 15 months of absence, we are back at our headquarters in Strasbourg.

"

Elections

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Miscellaneous

Alsace: A person dies after a fall from a castle

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