We visited the European Parliament headquarters while in Brussels. We first went to the Parliamentarium where we went through an audio guide on the history of the European Union, from the foundations of ideas for a united Europe in the aftermath of World War II to the present day. We got to learn how what first began as an agreement between nations to create a central steel system flourished into a community of nations cooperating on numerous areas of politics and the economy. After learning about the history of the European Union, we explored exhibits that highlighted the current work that the European Union does. From how members are elected and how they organize themselves in local and continental political parties to how issues are brought to the EU and addressed by their legislative body, we saw examples of areas where the EU is working to bring together European nations to address issues facing the whole of Europe. After the Parliamentarium, we walked to the Hemicycle where we continued with an additional audio tour that explained more the role of the European parliament and the structure of the legislature in making decisions and casting votes. We then entered the Hemicycle and got to see where the European Parliament meets for plenary sessions to bring forward important votes and decisions. I was impressed by the immense size of the space and how there was designated areas for each group of the Parliament as well as for the European Commission with the President of the EU (similar to our executive branch in the US, but slightly different). It was fascinating to see the space where members of parliament get to discuss issues impacting the European community. In fact, during plenary sessions throughout the year, visitors can attend for a short time and sit where we sat and get to experience democracy in action. Overall, this was a wonderful experience to learn more about the efforts to bring together nations all over Europe to promote common goals for a unified community.