The European Union must commit itself to playing a more significant role in the “new world order” created following 11 September. The appeal was made by the President of the Commission Romano Prodi, on addressing the plenary session of the European Parliament (Strasbourg, 22-25 October). He urged the Fifteen to achieve “unity of action”. The solemn session of Wednesday, 24 October hosted the Dalai Lama, highest spiritual authority of Buddhism whose visit aroused the hostile reaction of the Chinese Government to the European Parliament. “Dialogue is the only reasonable way of resolving disputes”, said the Dalai Lama who also expressed the hope that the Union would follow up the Resolution of the European Parliament recommending the appointment of a special EU representative for Tibet.
