visit hemicycle brussels

European Parliament Hemicycle (free visits)

• Maelbeek • 7 min walk
• Schuman • 8 min walk

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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European Parliament Hemicycle (free visits) (Brussels, Belgium): Hours, Address, Attraction Reviews - Tripadvisor

• (0.33 km) Radisson RED, Brussels
• (0.36 km) Aloft Brussels Schuman
• (0.22 km) Parlamentarium Apartment
• (0.37 km) Sofitel Brussels Europe
• (0.34 km) Renaissance Brussels Hotel
• (0.32 km) The Poet
• (0.26 km) Vester Bar
• (0.22 km) Piada Bar
• (0.22 km) Bagel Corner
• (0.21 km) Domenica
• (0.18 km) Parlamentarium
• (0.19 km) House of European History
• (0.10 km) Parlementarium
• (0.15 km) Solvay Library
• (0.26 km) Museum of Natural Sciences

How to visit the European Parliament in Brussels and the EU Quarter

One of the most interesting things to do in Brussels is to visit the European Parliament and see the EU Quarter, a surprisingly attractive and fascinating part of Brussels. Here’s how to go on a tour of the European Parliament and pay a visit to the other key buildings and attractions of the EU Quarter.

Where is the EU quarter in Brussels?

The EU or European Quarter, also known as the Leopold Quarter, is a compact area to the south-west of Brussels city centre, about 1.5 miles (2km) from the Grand-Place. In the 1800s the Leopold Quarter was one of Brussels’ most prestigious neighbourhoods, and there are lots of beautiful old buildings left over from those days.

During the early 20th century, the wealthy residents of the Leopold Quarter moved further outside the city centre to the new suburbs. Office buildings replaced many of the mansions, and in the late 1950s, new European institutions moved in.

Today the area is dominated by politics and business but it’s still surprisingly green and attractive, with beautiful parks and squares. There are also plenty of things to see and do in this part of Brussels.

Read more: How to see the best of Brussels in 48 hours

How to get to the European Quarter

As you’d expect, this international meeting-point is well-connected to the rest of Brussels, as well as to the airport and European high-speed trains.

From the Grand Place, Bourse and the historic centre

To get to the EU Quarter from the Grand Place, take bus 95. It’ll take about 12 minutes to travel to Place du Luxembourg, outside the European Parliament.

From Brussels Midi

To get to the buildings of the European Quarter from Brussels Midi, the main inter-city and international train station in Brussels, take Metro line 2 to Trône. From Trône it’s around a 7-minute walk to Place du Luxembourg.

From Brussels Airport

If you’re coming straight to the EU Quarter from Brussels Airport, take bus route 12. The journey takes about 35 minutes.

From elsewhere in Brussels

A number of bus lines serve the European Quarter. The nearest Metro stops are Maelbeek and Schuman on lines 1 and 5, and Trone on lines 2 and 6.

Things to do in Brussels’ European Quarter

The european parliament: how to visit.

The most significant attraction in the EU quarter is the European Parliament. To visit the European Parliament and the famous hemicycle debating chamber as an individual, you’ll need to take one of the self-guided tours, which run at set times, Monday to Friday. Information about timings for the European Parliament tours are available on the Parliament website .

To join a tour, go to the rear entrance of the European Parliament building, just off Rue Wiertz. There are clear signs to get you to the right place from the front of Espace Léopold and Place du Luxembourg (follow the signs for the Hemicyle), but once at the door there’s not a lot to indicate that it’s ok to go in. Don’t worry; if you’re there at the right time just push open the door.

Read more: Visiting all the European Union capitals

You’ll be asked to show your passport, then you’ll go through airport-style security before picking up a headset and electronic guide. Although you can only take the EU Parliament tour at designated times, it’s a self-guided tour with the headset rather than a fully guided tour. The electronic tour is available in all EU languages – you can even download it as an app onto your own mobile phone rather than take a headset if you prefer. There are also printed guidebooks available in all EU languages which you can take away with you for free.

The first exhibit is an arrangement of all the flags of the EU member states – great for a photo opportunity. Once you’re through security, it’s ok to take as many photos or videos as you want inside the European Parliament building.

From the flags, you go up in a lift to the atrium where you can see a large sculpture representing cooperation between the member countries. The building is decorated with an art collection of works by up-and-coming European artists on themes of peace and cooperation.

After you leave the atrium, the next stop is the Hemicycle – the main debating chamber of the European Parliament in Brussels. Each EU member country elects representatives in the same way as they would for a national parliament. These Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) meet here and in Strasbourg.

The tour finishes after you’ve seen the Hemicycle. All together, your visit will last between 30-60 minutes. Visiting the European Parliament is free – just don’t forget your passport.

Station Europe

The original station buildings of the Brussels-Luxembourg train station now house a welcome centre for the European Quarter. You can get your bearings here, pick up a map and plan your visit to the area. There’s also a branch of the official Visit Brussels tourist information centre.

Between Station Europe and the buildings of the Espace Léopold (the name of the European Parliament complex) you’ll find a public square with chairs set up in circles, seemingly to encourage discussion.

Parliamentarium

If you want to understand more about the EU and the European Parliament, visit the Parliamentarium . The Parliamentarium is the EU Parliament’s official visitor centre, and has longer opening hours than the Parliament itself, so it’s a great option if you can’t make one of the Parliament tours.

Like the European Parliament tour, visiting the Parliamentarium is free. The entrance is just off Espace Léopold, towards Rue Montoyer.

House of European History

For an exploration of Europe’s turbulent history, and the events that led up to the formation of the European Union, visit the House of European History  in Léopold Park.

The House of European History aims not to tell the story of each individual country in Europe, but to draw together the themes that European nations have in common. The permanent exhibition covers Europe as a global force in the 19th century and the two World Wars that shattered the continent, before examining the political divisions of the second half of the 20th century.

The exhibitions are free to visit, and a multimedia tour is available in all the EU languages.

Berlaymont Building

While you can’t go inside the Berlaymont Building, it’s an impressive sight and is probably the most iconic building of the European Quarter. The Berlaymont Building is the home of the European Commission, where the day-to-day work of the EU is carried out.

You can walk around the Berlaymont building; there are information boards about the history of the building spread out around the perimeter. If you’re lucky, you might see a TV news crew filming a report.

Statue of Europe

The Statue of Europe is a 5-metre tall sculpture symbolising peace in Europe and also the European Union motto, United in Diversity. Hands painted in different colours raise up a globe decorated with the EU stars, with a white dove perched on top.

The Statue of Europe is in the grounds of the former Convent Van Maerlant, now the library of the European Commission.

Other sights in and near the EU Quarter

Léopold park.

A pretty patch of green in the middle of the European Quarter, Léopold Park was the site of a zoo until the 1880s – symbolised by a quirky and controversial group of ostrich sculptures right outside the Parliament building.

With rolling green hills, benches for an outdoor lunch and a beautiful lake, it’s the perfect spot to take a break in the European Quarter.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

If you look west along Rue de la Loi, you’ll see an enormous triumphal arch, reminiscent of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. The arch itself is slightly more recent but the buildings either side were built for the 1880 National Exhibition which celebrated the Belgian nation’s 50th birthday.

The park itself is a very pleasant place for a walk, with lots of flowers, trees and lawns, and it’s a popular place for tourists and Brussels residents alike to relax.

Royal Military Museum

The Royal Military Museum occupies the left-hand side of the Cinquantenaire buildings. It holds an impressive collection of arms, armour, vehicles and aircraft. There are also two galleries dedicated to the First World War which devastated much of Belgium.

For an incredible view of the European Quarter and the surrounding area, take the stairs inside the Military Museum up to the viewing gallery on top of the arches.

On the right-hand side of the Cinquantenaire arch you’ll find Autoworld, a fantastic museum dedicated to cars and driving. Among the gleaming permanent exhibits and fascinating temporary exhibitions you’ll find information about Belgium’s contribution to automotive history.

Art & History Museum

The right-hand side of the complex also houses the Art and History Museum . More informative than an art gallery, more inspiring than a history museum, the unique collection eventually wants to be as well known as the British Museum or the Louvre.

Cauchie House

If you’re interested in architecture, and especially if you’re a lover of Art Nouveau, you can’t miss the Cauchie House . Artist couple Paul and Carolina Cauchie built the house in 1905 and decorated the front as an advertisement for their businesses; graphic design for him, art lessons for her. In the centre of the facade you can read the words “Par Nous, Pour Nous” – “By Us, For Us”. The house is at the top of Rue des Francs, just across the road from Parc du Cinquantenaire.

Museum of Natural Sciences

Another interesting museum in the European Quarter is the Museum of Natural Sciences . The museum’s most impressive exhibits are the dinosaur skeletons, including an enormous Tyrannosaurus rex. You can also explore the history of humankind and exhibitions on the natural world. The Museum of Natural Sciences is near the Hemicycle and Léopold Park, on Rue Vautier.

Would you like to visit the European Parliament?

If you’re visiting Brussels, you might also like my other post about visiting Belgian breweries and beer tasting in Brussels .

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20 thoughts on “How to visit the European Parliament in Brussels and the EU Quarter”

These places are stunning! Pinning this now 🙂

Thanks Sarah 🙂

We only made a quick stop in Brussels years ago, would love to go back and explore more.

Ah, hope you get back to Brussels soon! I’m also hoping to go back!

I would love, love to visit the EU Parliament in Brussels! My friend and I actually walked by several of these buildings and monuments during our short weekend stay there, it was such a culturally rich city to visit!

It’s so interesting, I’m so glad we were able to catch a tour! There’s definitely a lot of fun and cultural things to do in Brussels.

Great post! I visited Brussels several years back on a university trip, specifically to visit the EU, and expected to find the city very bureaucratic- however, I was surprised by how beautiful it was! Definitely a great place to spend a few days 🙂

Same, I thought the European Quarter would be grey and boring and full of suits, but it was actually really pretty and vibrant. And everyone we met that day was so warm and funny. It definitely exceeded my expectations!

Helen, I enjoyed your post! I actually had a stay over in Brussels and I saw a little bit but I want to go back

Thanks Kiera, I hope you get back there soon, I’m also hoping to go back, three days wasn’t enough!

I have visited this area but did not take a tour of the Parliament for lack of time. I have fond memories of my trip to Brusselx as I went there with my mom, and I love mother-daughter trips. We were there only for a weekend so we didn’t have much time, and there was so much good food and great beer we needed to explore, too! 😀 Still, I think it’s an important institution and I would like to get there to learn more about it.

Haha I’m with you on the beer! And the delicious chocolate, and the frites!

I had no idea that you could visit! Really interesting post

Thanks Catherine 🙂

Very cool. I didn’t realize there was so much in the EU area!

There’s absolutely loads to do, definitely worth a day on a Brussels trip 🙂

What a lovely place to visit! This just makes me realize how much I missed by not going there, I was supposed to next week, but I have a scheduling issue and had to turn down the offer 🙁

Sorry to hear that,I hope you get to visit soon. It’s definitely worth a trip!

This is awesome- our boys love history and would love to see this. Pinned so I have this when we finally get them over to Europe! Someday!!!

Thanks Elizabeth, there’s so much to see in this area and you really feel the history behind what the European project wanted to achieve – all the wars and the division. Whatever you think of the modern EU it’s a fascinating part of Brussels.

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How are the seats allocated?

The rules which determine the allocation of seats in each Chamber are laid down by the Conference of Presidents:

• Members of the European Parliament form groups based on their political affinity, not on their nationality.
• The Chairs of the political groups sit in the first row in the semi-circle opposite the President of the European Parliament.
• The third row is occupied by Bureau members (Vice-Presidents and Quaestors).
• Within the political groups, the remaining seats are generally allocated in alphabetical order.

Chamber seating plans

The two plans contain:

• a list in numerical order indicating for each seat the name of the Member to whom it is allocated;
• a list in alphabetical order indicating for each Member the number of the seat allocated to him/her.

The seat numbering in Strasbourg is different from that in Brussels; also, a Member may occasionally occupy a different seat for technical or organisational reasons.

The lists are updated for each part-session.

• Strasbourg Chamber seating plan: Interactive version - PDF version
• Brussels Chamber seating plan: Interactive version - PDF version
• Sign up for email updates
• Parliament on Facebook
• Contact the Plenary Service

Priority information and documents

European parliament plenary.

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• National parliaments
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European Parliament Hemicycle (free visits)

• Maelbeek • 7 min walk
• Schuman • 8 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

European Parliament Hemicycle (free visits), Brussels

European Parliament Hemicycle (free visits)

• Maelbeek • 7 min walk
• Schuman • 8 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

European Parliament Hemicycle (free visits), Brussels

• (0.33 km) Radisson RED, Brussels
• (0.36 km) Aloft Brussels Schuman
• (0.22 km) Parlamentarium Apartment
• (0.37 km) Sofitel Brussels Europe
• (0.34 km) Renaissance Brussels Hotel
• (0.32 km) The Poet
• (0.26 km) Vester Bar
• (0.22 km) Piada Bar
• (0.22 km) Bagel Corner
• (0.21 km) Domenica
• (0.18 km) Parlamentarium
• (0.19 km) House of European History
• (0.10 km) Parlementarium
• (0.15 km) Solvay Library
• (0.26 km) Museum of Natural Sciences

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Summer ideas: Visit the Hemicycle of the European Parliament

• Editorial Team
• August 16, 2019
• 1 minute read

Did you know that you can actually visit the European Parliament in Brussels? Hemicycle is the place where all Members of the European Parliament meet and discuss. European Parliament is the world’s largest transnational parliament and hemicycle is the venue where most important debates are taking place. This also means that many of the historical decisions which shape Europe are being made right in this space.

Update Summer 2020: Please be aware that due to Covid-19 limitations, the visits to the Hemicycle in Brussels might not be possible. Please consult the official website of  Visit European Parliament  for the latest updates on the opening hours and admission requirements.

In certain periods it is also possible to visit the hemicycle during the plenary sessions. Otherwise, visitors can visit the Hemicycle with a multimedia guide or join a personalised talk. Visits are available for individuals, families and small groups of up to 9 people.

Photographer @a_new_photographer_on_tour published a lovely photo on his Instagram account, and we share it here below:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Passionate of photos ? (@a_new_photographer_on_tour) on Aug 13, 2019 at 11:00pm PDT

A visit to the Hemicycle is free of charge. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. This is a great way to learn more about the powers and role of European Parliament and to experience the EU democracy live. Highly recommended!

More info can be found on the Visit European Parliament website.

WeLoveBrussels is a digital platform focusing on the city life, culture, creativity, events, amazing places, lifestyle, urban development trends and simple beauty around us.

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Budget-friendly Brussels: Top 10 free activities to do in the capital

Brussels may not be famed as a cheap European city, but there are still plenty of low-cost and free activities on offer year-round for those wanting to explore Belgium's capital on a budget.

From discovering the European Parliament's hemicycle and the abundance of markets and museums to a farm right in the centre, The Brussels Times offers some ideas on how to spend a day out in the city without breaking the bank.

1. Visit the Parlamentarium and Hemicycle

Brussels is home to various European Union institutions, including the Commission, Parliament and Council. What better way to learn more about the international organisation's role than to take a free tour of the Parlamentarium or Hemicycle?

European Parliament in Brussels. Credit: Belga

On the Parlementarium tour, visitors can learn about European history, discover how the Parliament works, how laws are made and the importance of European politics. The Hemicycle, meanwhile, is at the centre of the world's largest transnational parliament, where Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) hold their debates and vote for Europe.

Multimedia-guided visits are available in all 24 official EU languages and, depending on the time, visitors may also be able to follow a plenary session from the gallery. A valid ID is required to access European Parliament buildings.

Find more information on Parlementarium tours here and on Hemicycle tours here .

2. Take a tour of the Comic Strip Trail

Over 30 years ago, the City of Brussels decided to cover Brussels' walls with commissioned cartoon murals . Frank Pé was the first comic artist to design a mural and in 1991 a picture of his character Broussaille with his girlfriend Catherine was unveiled at an intersection at the centre of the Saint-Jacques neighbourhood downtown.

Credit: visit.brussels

Brussels now boasts over 80 murals, ranging from the Smurfs and Tintin to Astérix and Lucky Luke. Find out why Brussels is the comic capital and explore the city's heritage treasures at the same time.

The walking tour is roughly 5 km long, lasts for approximately three hours and is to all ages.

Find more information here .

3. Get a 360° view over Brussels

Fancy seeing Brussels from above? The city is home to an array of rooftop bars with stunning panoramic views and no entry fees. It's an ideal way to watch the sun go down with loved ones – but get there early to avoid the queues.

Panoramic views and sunsets on Rooftop 58. Credit: 58.bxl / Instagram

Our favourite bars include the newly-launched Rooftop 58 , Soko Rooftop over the Sonian Forest, and Secret Rooftop by Warwick which overlooks the Grand Place. Although a ticket is required for the Musical Instruments Museum, you can visit its Art Nouveau rooftop via the lift for free. Mont des Arts and Place Poelaert also provide beautiful viewpoints across the city.

4. Explore Brussels' city farm

Established in 1989, the Maximilien Park Farm is an important cultural heritage site for the northern district of Brussels and provides a space for biodiversity in the heart of the city.

Credit: La Ferme du parc Maximilien / Facebook

The urban farm aims to raise environmental awareness through a range of events and activities, and is home to ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep, rabbits, hens, ducks and peacocks – the perfect family day out.

5. Make the most of the many museums

Many of Brussels' museums are free on the first Sunday of the month, including the Sewers museum, Manneken Pis' GardeRobe, and the Jewish Museum, among others.

The Garderobe of Manneken Pis, which is free the first Sunday of the month. Credit: Belga / Thierry Roge

But some museums are free every day of the month, such as the Printing Museum, the Belfius Collection, BIP Expo, and the House of European History.

6. Head to Kiosk Radio in the park

Founded in 2017, Kiosk Radio broadcasts a wide range of music genres, from jazz and rock to electronic music 24/7 from a wooden kiosk in the heart of Brussels' historic 'Parc Royal'. It supports local artists, musicians and cultural organisations to showcase the city's vibrant music scene.

Credit: Kiosk Radio / Ugo Realfonzo

Kiosk regularly hosts unique music events and parties, at the kiosk and other venues in Brussels and is a great way to wind down with friends after a long day at work or at the weekend.

7. Mosey around a market

For anyone who enjoys browsing a market, Brussels has one for every day of the week , catering to all tastes and interests. As well as food markets, there are numerous flea markets (such as on Place du Jeu de Balle) and the city's biggest vintage clothes market on the first Sunday of the month with free entry from 11:00 until 18:00.

Midi Market. Credit: Isabella Vivian / Belga

Most markets are low cost but if you're really looking for a bargain, head to the bustling Sunday Midi market when the vendors are wrapping up around 14:00 – they may even give away unsold produce for free.

8. Sign up for a free workshop

Fancy learning a new skill? The City of Brussels offers a wide range of free workshops, from Argentine tango and breakdance classes to knitting and a public astronomy course.

Credit: Canva

There are also 'repair cafés' where specialists will help to fix your belongings for free, bike engravings and even free energy consultations.

Find out more information here .

9. Admire Brussels' architectural gems

Spend a day exploring Brussels' beautiful buildings. As the "undisputed capital of Art Nouveau", it is worth taking the time to admire the likes of Maison Hannon and the eye-catching Hotel van Eetvelde . There is also an Art Nouveau exhibition currently on display at BELvue museum until January 2024 (entry is free).

Art Nouveau buildings and churches in Brussels. Credit: Isabella Vivian

Visitors can also discover the newly-renovated Palais de Justice and Bourse buildings for free, as well as a multitude of churches and even the Royal Palace from July until September.

10. Discover the city's best parks and green spaces

One of the best (and cheapest!) ways to see a city is by visiting its green spaces. From Bois de la Cambre and Parc du Cinquantenaire to Josaphat, Petit Sablon and Léopold, Brussels has a host of picturesque parks to explore.

Petit Sablon (Left) and Parc Josaphat (Right). Credit: Isabella Vivian

Why not venture further out of the city to Tervuren Arboretum or even the grounds of Château de la Hulpe by passing through the Sonian Forest?

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Copyright © 2024 The Brussels Times. All Rights Reserved.

Travel Between 2 Popular European Cities Just Got Easier With New High Speed Train

Post may contain affiliate links; we may receive compensation if you click links to those products. This has no impact on how offers are presented. Our site does not include all offers available. Content on page accurate as of posting date.

Traveling Europe by train is at the top of many travelers' bucket lists.

From epic coastal trips from one iconic city to another and even winter wonderlands to hop around Christmas markets, seeing Europe the old-fashioned way just can't be beaten.

That being said, a new route connecting 2 popular European cities is more about convenience and saving time more so than taking a thrilling tide through some of Europe's top sites.

The latest high-speed train in Europe was just announced to launch by year's end , sending traveling from Brussels to Amsterdam, or vice versa, in record time.

New Trains, Less Stops, And Faster Service

Belgium and The Netherlands are neighboring countries where it's not difficult at all to go from one popular city to the next.

In this case, Brussels is definitely the most popular city in Belgium, and despite Amsterdam being a bit grumpy with tourists this year, you can't knock how cool it is to visit.

Travelers wanting to visit both destinations during their European escapades will soon have a lightning-fast option.

There is already a train (Benelux) connecting this dynamic duo, but more stops equals more time wasted for travelers.

The new line is trimming the fat by removing stops more common for daily commuters, rather than tourists.

Stops at Brussels-North, Brussels-Central and Amsterdam-Central will no longer be on the docket and will be replaced by only stopping at Brussels-South, Antwerp-Central, Rotterdam-Central and Amsterdam Schipol .

By doing so, around 40 minutes are shaved off your trip and brings your total ride to just 45 minutes total !

Travelers will be able to ride on brand new trains that are being advertised with capabilities of reaching speeds of 125 mph.

There is one caveat, however. There is full support backing the new high-speed train, but there is an expected review of dropping certain stops before officially launching.

Why Visit Brussels?

We probably all know Brussels is the capital of Belgium, but for some reason, it is often seen as an afterthought compared to Europe's stalwarts-Paris, London, and Barcelona, to name a few.

Brussels will flat-out rock your socks off, so it's a bit of a surprise it's not in the same conversation.

Like Paris and all the others, Brussels is easily reachable from the U.S. with nonstop flights from multiple American hubs via Belgium's flagship airline, Brussels Airlines.

Jam-packed with cultural sites, stunning architecture, and an underrated foodie scene, this city packs a punch and you may find it to be a bit less crowded than other major cities.

Beyond stuffing your face with Belgian waffles, visiting incomparable destinations like the Atomium is a must, along with stunning palaces and scenic city parks.

Plus, Brussels makes for a great gateway to other incredible cities, like Bruges, which oddly enough is the perfect alternative to Amsterdam with its picturesque canals.

She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not…

We just can't figure Amsterdam out.

Taking on the persona of a modern-day ‘Karen', Amsterdam has been quite moody in terms of welcoming tourists into their world-renowned city.

Their famous red lights have taken on a new meaning as if to say stop coming here.

Over-tourism is definitely real, but when your culture welcomes a party atmosphere, doesn't it seem counter-intuitive to ween out the party crowd?

Amsterdam is one of Europe's most unique cities, especially given their bicycle-friendly culture and geographical placement of their always popular canals.

People will always want to visit, but it remains to be seen if Amsterdam will become more tourist-friendly again since they have continuously launched campaigns asking tourists to stay home or go somewhere else.

The new high-speed train from Brussels is expected to launch in December 2024. Since the last stop is Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, that may be the only way you want to visit this year.

The Netherlands is an awesome country home to numerous similar cities to Amsterdam without the crowds and no off-putting tourist restrictions, such as Utrecht and Dordrecht.

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Europe Day marks 1 month till EU elections. Rise of hard right, wilting of Green Deal are possible

FILE - A group stands under an election banner outside the European Parliament in Brussels on April 29, 2024. The European Union marks Europe Day on Thursday, May 9, but instead of the traditionally muted celebrations, all eyes are on the EU elections in one month time which portend a steep rise of the extreme right and a possible move away from its global trendsetting climate policies. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)

FILE- A man holds a European Union flag as he walks outside the European Commission building during Europe Day celebrations in Brussels on May 4, 2024. The European Union marks Europe Day on Thursday, May 9, but instead of the traditionally muted celebrations, all eyes are on the EU elections in one month time which portend a steep rise of the extreme right and a possible move away from its global trendsetting climate policies. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo File)

FILE - A man wears a suit in the EU colors as he walks outside the European Parliament during Europe Day celebrations in Brussels on May 4, 2024. The European Union marks Europe Day on Thursday, May 9, but instead of the traditionally muted celebrations, all eyes are on the EU elections in one month time which portend a steep rise of the extreme right and a possible move away from its global trendsetting climate policies. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)

FILE - People wait in line to visit the European Parliament during Europe Day celebrations in Brussels on May 4, 2024. The European Union marks Europe Day on Thursday, May 9, but instead of the traditionally muted celebrations, all eyes are on the EU elections in one month time which portend a steep rise of the extreme right and a possible move away from its global trendsetting climate policies. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)

FILE - President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, Guy Verhofstadt, speaks in the hemicycle of the European Parliament in Brussels, on May 26, 2019. While 27 nations with often inefficient individual defense programs have left western Europe at the mercy of U.S. goodwill for much of the past half century, Verhofstadt wants a full defense union to stave off a belligerent Russia, and anticipate a non-committal United States if Donald Trump becomes president in November. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys, File)

FILE - A woman walks holding a baby by a sculpture depicting French diplomat Jean Monnet, part of the monument of the European Union Founding Fathers in Bucharest, Romania, on Dec. 29, 2018. The European Union marks Europe Day on Thursday, May 9, but instead of the traditionally muted celebrations, all eyes are on the EU elections in one month time which portend a steep rise of the extreme right and a possible move away from its global trendsetting climate policies. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File)

FILE - Members of European Parliament participate in a series of votes as they attend a plenary session at the European Parliament in Brussels, on April 10, 2024. The European Union marks Europe Day on Thursday, May 9, but instead of the traditionally muted celebrations, all eyes are on the EU elections in one month time which portend a steep rise of the extreme right and a possible move away from its global trendsetting climate policies. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert, File)

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BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union marks its annual Europe Day on Thursday, but instead of the humdrum celebrations, all eyes are on the EU elections in a month’s time, which portend a steep rise of the extreme right and a possible move away from the bloc’s global trendsetting climate policies.

After decades in which the EU elections hardly caused a ripple, the June 6-9 voting is the most important in memory. It is being held at a time of continuous crises on a continent which is experiencing a war in Ukraine , climate emergencies, a shifting of geopolitical plates and fundamental questions on the reach and purpose of the EU itself.

“It will be an existential fight,” said Guy Verhofstadt, a former Belgian prime minister and outgoing free-market liberal member of parliament who has been in the thick of EU politics for over a quarter century. It will pit “those who want less Europe and, then, those political forces who understand that in the world of tomorrow you need a far more integrated European Union to defend the interests of the Europeans,” he said in an interview.

A man wears a suit in the EU colors as he walks outside the European Parliament during Europe Day celebrations in Brussels on May 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)

In naked political terms, it means those traditional socialist, liberal and green forces that ran the EU parliament with the Christian Democrats over the past five years against the surging powers of the hard nationalist right, exemplified by leaders like Viktor Orbán of Hungary and Georgia Meloni of Italy.

The vote is the second-biggest exercise in democracy behind the elections in India, as the 27-nation bloc of 450 million people will be picking 720 parliamentarians to serve them over the next five years with decisive votes on everything from digital privacy rules to international trade policy and climate measures.

But more than that, when the results are made public late on June 9, it will be an indication whether the continental political drift will match the rightward swing seen across much of the globe from Argentina to the Netherlands and Slovakia.

Even if surveys diverge somewhat on the margins of the gains, they all point toward one thing: The nationalist hard right and populist parties will make strong gains.

“If I look at the polls all over Europe, more or less, I can always see the same scenario,” said Nicola Procaccini, Meloni’s man in the European Parliament, who typically considers himself as part of the center-right far removed from the neo-fascist roots of his Brothers of Italy party.

He said likeminded parties “are rising more or less, everywhere.” That includes election victories in the Netherlands and Slovakia and polls showing they lead the way in France with Marine Le Pen ‘s National Rally.

A man holds a European Union flag as he walks outside the European Commission building during Europe Day celebrations in Brussels on May 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo File)

When it comes to the fundamentals, the EU battle could be seen as Verhofstadt vs. Procaccini, with one insisting only more joint policies on issues like defense are the answer to the EU’s global challenges ahead, and the other saying how the individual member states, with their cherished nationhood at its core, should always come first.

While 27 nations with often inefficient individual defense programs have left western Europe at the mercy of U.S. goodwill for much of the past half century, Verhofstadt wants a full defense union to stave off a belligerent Russia, and anticipate a non-committal United States if Donald Trump becomes president in November. “It is not individual member states which will protect the people,” he said.

“And that’s the reason why it’s an existential fight. Because if we lose this fight against the right-wing parties, we will be without defense, without security,” Verhofstadt said.

Procaccini instead centers on what many far-right parties see as encroachment and downright meddling in national affairs by the EU’s institutions in Brussels and Strasbourg, France. They have specifically lashed out at the EU Green Deal to keep climate change at bay and have specifically targeted measures to force farmers into more environmentally friendly methods as overbearing and overruling national decision making. They want to hark back to the EU’s timid origins some 60 years ago when cooperation was much more voluntary and limited.

“We want to restore the original idea of Europe,” Procacinni said.

It is unlikely the anti-EU parties will get a grip on legislative power but a surge into third place behind the Christian Democrats and Socialists would have a major impact. If the forecast of the European Council on Foreign Affairs holds, the think tank says “this ‘sharp right turn’ is likely to have significant consequences for European-level policies ... particularly on environmental issues, where the new majority is likely to oppose ambitious EU action to tackle climate change.”

Members of European Parliament participate in a series of votes as they attend a plenary session at the European Parliament in Brussels, on April 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert, File)

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has already softened some of the climate rules and her center-right Christian Democrat European People’s Party, the biggest in the legislature, has moved rightward on migration on top of climate policy.

With a wilting of the Green Deal, it would make sure that beyond facing geopolitical crises, the EU would also face one of its own making.

Thursday’s Europe Day honors the memory of Jean Monnet, one of the founding fathers of the European Union, who once said: “Europe will be forged in crises.”

Northern lights on full display across US, Europe on Friday: See photos

The northern lights provided a rare sight for residents across the U.S. and around the world Friday night, with a powerful solar storm fueling a spectacle seen as far south as the Florida Keys.

Strong solar flares  the sun has been emitting since Wednesday morning were responsible for  the northern lights being visible across a wide swath of North America and Europe.

Seven coronal mass ejections began entering the Earth's outer atmosphere on Friday, said the  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . The agency issued a rare  Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch  this week for the first time in 19 years, but announced Friday evening that extreme (G5) conditions reached Earth at 6:54 p.m. Eastern time. The last extreme event occurred with the "Halloween storms" in October 2003.

Because the sun is at the height of its 11-year-cycle, conditions were optimal for the auroras to put on a light show that electrified sky watchers and appeared to far more Americans than usual .

"I never in my wildest dreams thought I would see it from my front yard in Key Largo (Florida,) said Mike Theiss, a veteran extreme nature photographer and storm chaser . He'd been seeing the news about the solar storms all day Friday and was "a bit jealous" he would miss out on the auroras. But then he started seeing photos posted in real time on social media, in South Carolina, then Georgia and then the Bahamas.

Incredulous about that sighting, he figured he'd take a chance. "I walked out the front door and there were the lights. I could see a faint red glow with the naked eye," Theiss told USA TODAY. "I was looking at the northern lights. I still can't believe it."

Sky gazers, if you didn’t have a chance to catch the northern lights on Friday, May 10, you can try again today. Forecasters are predicting that the aurora will be visible across many parts of the United States if the weather permits. There have been several reports of power grid irregularities and functional decreases in high-frequency, communications and GPS systems, according to a report from NOAA . 

Although the northern lights did interrupt some system functionalities, the phenomena has caused major mishaps in the past. In 1989, the aurora managed to knock out the power in Quebec for nine hours. However, the aurora was the strongest in 1859 when the lights shined so bright it was mistakenly for daylight and lasted for a day, The Planetary Society reported .

Here's a look at some of the images captured around the U.S. and in Europe.

Northern lights: What's your chance of seeing the northern lights tonight? A look at Saturday's forecast

Geomagnetic Storm: Solar storm is powerful enough to disrupt communications: Why NOAA says not to worry

'Absolutely incredible'

Unbelievable illumination of the aurora borealis in florida, aurora borealis 'dazzle' in the sky in europe.

Contributing: Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY.

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