European Parliament In Strasbourg

EDM number 2274 in 2005-06, proposed by Keith Vaz on 25/05/2006.

That this House believes the continuation of the European Parliament meeting in Strasbourg is a gross waste of EU funds, energy and time; notes that other large political entities such as the United States and China manage to function well with a single national legislative capital; further notes that the European Parliament estimates it could save 209 million euros (£143 million) a year by meeting only in Brussels and ending its 560-mile round-trip monthly commute; further believes that the image of the European legislature transporting itself on such a basis damages the image of the European Union in the eyes of its citizens and the wider world; considers that Strasbourg, as a city of great culture and charm located in a historic crossroads of Europe, does not require the symbolic presence of the Parliament in order to maintain prestige; hopes that a sensible resolution can be agreed between governments at the Europe Council; and calls on members of the European Parliament to consider what action they would be able to take in the absence of such agreement.

This motion has been signed by a total of 46 MPs.