The European Parliament, located in Brussels, Belgium, is the heart of democracy in the European Union. It was established in 1952, originally as the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community. The current name was adopted in 1962, and from 1979, its members have been directly elected by the people of Europe every five years. The Parliament's role is to represent the citizens of the EU, debate and pass European laws with the Council of Ministers, scrutinize other EU institutions, particularly the Commission, to ensure they are working democratically, and debate and adopt the EU's budget along with the Council. The architecture of the European Parliament in Brussels is a sight to behold. The complex is a combination of several buildings, with the most notable being the Paul-Henri Spaak building. This building, named after a notable Belgian statesman, is characterized by a distinctive dome of glass and steel, often referred to as "Caprice des Dieux" (Caprice of the Gods). It houses the Parliament's hemicycle (debating chamber), the President's office and the press room. Step inside the European Parliament, and you will be greeted by a blend of modern architecture and technical sophistication. The debating chamber is vast and circular, equipped with technology that enables simultaneous translation in all 24 official EU languages. The atmosphere is dynamic and charged, with the seats filled with representatives from the 27 member states. Around the debating chamber are numerous offices, meeting rooms, and facilities for the 705 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The building also has a visitor's center, the Parlamentarium, which uses interactive multimedia displays to increase public understanding of the Parliament and the EU. The European Parliament in Brussels is more than just a set of buildings; it is a symbol of European unity and democracy. It embodies the shared ideals of peace, democracy, and solidarity, values that continue to shape the EU's path in the complex and ever-changing world landscape.