Thousands of citizens flood through the European Parliament to be entertained, amused and informed about the work of MEPs.

European Parliament opens its doors

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/16297215/n001-130504-001-en.srt

They turned up in droves:  members of the public,

keen to see the European Parliament  and learn how it works.

It's European Year of Citizens,  so their interest is especially welcome,

even if these times of austerity  have placed a strain on the relationship.

We have to accept  that the people are angry.

We cannot say we will explain Europe  and all is OK. No, that's not true.

There was a real problem, a capacity for  the people to understand, but we must do it.

We have many questions.  The people are looking for answers.

I think it's an important time to have  this Open Day in the European Parliament.

It's the largest chamber of citizens  in the European Union.

A key moment in the day:  a debate with visitors about citizenship.

had their photos taken,  including with the President,

watched entertainers  and took part in games and quizzes.

A day out for all the family,  young and old.

What did they make of it and what does  being a European citizen mean to them?

from an economic point of view  and the point of view of peace.

We are from Romania and until now  we never had the opportunity or the interest

to look at what it's like  and what subjects are debated here.

the second thing is to follow  European advice

and the third thing is to follow  the advice for a greener Europe.

There was plenty to listen to,  as well as to see.

Outside, committees  and NGOs introduced themselves.

There was no shortage of interested parties  and no tall stories.

But winning public support  remains difficult.

Only two days earlier a eurosceptic party  did unexpectedly well in elections in Britain.

I wish more British voters would come  to events like this, the Open Days,

and actually find out how it really works  because sadly they're not well-informed

either by their newspapers  or by their politicians.

Well, here's one solution:  speed dating with your MEP.

Here, Belgian citizens can interact  with their own MEPs.

And after all, what starts as dating  can turn into a long-term relationship.