Is it true that the EU move their operations between Strasbourg and Brussels every 6 months?

Question

And why? Can't they just base some departements in Strassbourg and others in Brussels permanently?

Answer 1

They do and they literally have their own train (yep, gravy train), to take them back and forth each time, along with great wines and food in the restaurant.

I understand that it is down to territorial pride - France and Belgium are reluctant to be the one to give up a lucrative power base within their own regime.

So some departments are base permanently in each city - it is only the Parliament which moves regularly. What a waste of money!

Answer 2

They couldn't agree on a site and they had to reach a compromise and so they decided to share things between the two sites.

Why not ? It doesn't cost them a penny because it's our money GRRRRRRRR!

Answer 3

i don't think so... some of the european bodies are permanently in bussels (european commission, EESC) some others in strasbourg (european parliament) some others in luxembourg (juridical court, court of auditors) and the ECB is in francfortbut it's true that for the big meeting they tried to change the place to allow to all the members to welcome the meetings

Answer 4

Yes!

Answer 5

Yes, and it costs you and me a fortune to make the moves.

Crazy.

Answer 6

Yep, and now they've got their very own gravy train which we pay for.and as for basing some departments in one city or the other - that would be too simple and the EU parliament is not that hot on common sense.

Answer 7

yes, it is! Imagine the cost and know, that's us who are paying. Lots to be improved in the European system.Living in a town between the two destinations, I realise increased traffic on the motorway of vehicles from Belgium, Luxembourg and France every few months. Quite crazy, has to be changed( my opinion).

Answer 8

It's true, and many trenchant pro-europeans are against it, it's all down to a compromise that should have been settled years ago.

Answer 9

Yes it is! It has something to do with the parity among the member states. It began when the EU (EEC by then) consisted only of 6 founding member states, whereas they are 27 by now and still going. Some of the rules made for 6 must be changed to accommodate 27. But united Europe is worth it.