On Sunday the atmosphere at the EP in Strasbourg was festive as MEPs opened their doors to the public, momentarily forgetting the euro and Schengen crises.

Flash: Discovering the Parliament

Entering the Parliament in Strasbourg  on Sunday morning required patience.

The waiting time was no less than an hour.  But when you love, you don’t mind.

so you realise that in Strasbourg  there’s not just wine, there’s culture.

I feel above all like a European citizen

and I know what citizenship  and the concept of freedom mean.

At 10am, the MEPs present  hold an opening ceremony.

The MEPs make a quick tour  ahead of the visitors.

The first stand advertises  the single currency,

and the false information that some  states are asking to leave the eurozone.

There is an exit clause?  -That’s Article 10.

I’m so used to it, and I’ve reached  a certain age, so I apply the rule:

Better to seek direct contact  with citizens, then.

A German MEP offers pretzels,  baked for the occasion.

Alright for the shape,  but as to the taste of the EU:

In the hemicycle,  the visitors could take the MEPs’ place

to have a debate about  the European Year of Volunteering.

Some images recall  the quieter moments during a session,

but most are enthusiastic.  This creates vocations.

I’d help handicapped people,  because I have a friend in my class...

He's my best friend,  and he's got a leg problem.

There are times  when I feel sad for him.

I get the impression  that there’s a problem of scale

between the thinking in the working groups  and implementation in the field.

Interpreters are indispensable  to the work within the hemicycle.

Not always easy for everyone,  but a dream job for some.

We met young people who showed great  interest in simultaneous interpretation

As the Parliament closes its doors,  the party goes on outside.

It’s a matter of not forgetting that eating  well is also a part of European culture.