European Parliament in Strasbourg turns 50

The European Parliament in Strasbourg held a special session on Wednesday to celebrate 50 years since the European Union’s six founding members set up a common parliament . Back in 1958, the assembly was a mere talking shop consulted by governments on select issues. Now the 785-member parliament represents 27 states and is the world’s only directly elected multi-national legislature. The institution is criticized for being costly and less than effective.

Source: Deutsche Welle, 12 March 2008