Les élèves de Terminale option BFI (Baccalauréat Français International) se sont rendus à Bruxelles afin de visiter les instances européennes. Ils ont assisté au discours de Cate Blanchett, actrice australo-américaine devant le parlement européen.
Our trip to Brussels
Embarking on a journey to Brussels, the heart of European politics, I found myself immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the European Parliament.
Stepping into the iconic Hemicycle, where decisions that shape the future of the continent are made. It was a surreal experience. The grandeur of the architecture mirrored the significance of the discussions held within those walls. As I wandered through the corridors, I marveled at the diverse languages and cultures converging in this hub of diplomacy.
Attending a session, I witnessed firsthand the democratic process at play, with passionate debates echoing through the chambers.
The trip was not only an opportunity to witness the inner workings of the European Union but also a chance to appreciate the unity in diversity that defines this international political arena.
Exploring Brussels and its rich history added an extra layer to the experience, making it a journey filled with both intellectual stimulation and cultural enrichment.
About the speech
The refugee situation in Europe remains complex. Conflicts, economic hardships, and humanitarian crises continue to drive people to seek refuge in European countries. The European Parliament plays a key role in shaping policies regarding asylum, border control, and integration efforts for refugees. There are ongoing debates and actions to address the challenges of migration, including discussions on fair distribution of asylum seekers among EU member states, improving living conditions in refugee camps, and establishing policies to manage migration flows more effectively. The Parliament strives to balance humanitarian needs with the concerns of member states, seeking comprehensive solutions to support both refugees and the host communities as the practice of externalizing asylum processing in low and
middle-income countries is criticized.
The European Parliament is the legislative branch of the European Union. Its members are directly elected by the citizens of the Member states. Every month, the MEPs meet in plenary sessions during which they can vote, debate or listen to speeches of famous personalities.
That day, Cate Blanchett, a famous American-Australian actress, talked to the Euro-Parliament as ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Her notoriety created a real craze, and some MEPs were extremely excited to listen to her.
Reactions to the speech – The hemicycle is made up of different political parties, who sit in different sectors of the Assembly. Therefore, during her speech, many of the MPs’ reactions were heard. Indeed, while Cate Blanchett gave a speech in favor of European aid for migrants who have fallen victim to the vagaries of war, diverse political groups applauded her call for direct humanitarian aid. However, others, against the solidarity policy of the UN, didn’t show any support during her speech. Thus, the cleavage between the assembly was reinforced by this speech.
