European Parliament can sometimes work in a media unfriendly way. Take an example of a plenary debates. MEPs discuss the hot issue one day but the resolution to the topic is adopted the day after. Would you like to write an full article on the concrete problem with a concrete solution that was adopted? Wait till MEPs vote. In fact, this is still a better case.

Sometimes the vote does not take place next day but is postponed to the next session. Waiting for the final result can thus be unbelievable two or three weeks. If you want to publish an article after taking vote, you might end up with quotes of MEPs from the previous month. Not mentioning that the discussed issue could have easily changed in a substantial way in the meantime.

Follow the committee while taking coffee

On the other hand, sometimes Parliament shows how to do things in order to make it easier for the media. For example by organising debates before big summits such as G20 meetings. By discussing the issue in advance, Parliament gives a clear idea on its expectations. A sort of rather action than reaction approach. This can be even strengthened when a resolution is adopted (which was unfortunately not the case ahead of the G20 summit in Pittsburgh).

I also like the enlarged live streaming of parliamentary committees. In the past, if a committee was discussing a big piece of legislation or a very attractive topic, the meeting room got stuck very quickly by MEPs, assistants, lobbies or journalists. This is not a problem in case you do not need a chair and table and can take notes while standing.

However, you could have some troubles if you speak only three or four languages. MEPs like to express their ideas in their mother tongues so a meeting can be very multilingual. Live coverage through internet in most used languages makes life easier. You can stay in front of your computer, sit on your favourite chair, sip your favourite coffee, take notes or even record the meeting on dictaphone.

The new EP President Jerzy Buzek has already announced plans to modify some ways the Parliament works. Let´s wait and see.