New European Parliament

A more “moderate”, environment-friendly and Eurosceptic EP, more MEPs compared to the past, and many new faces. The newly-elected European Parliament met for the first time July 14-16 when the legislature was officially opened, highlighting a number of new features.Peculiarities and flash lamps. The meeting in Strasbourg saw the election of EP President Jerzy Buzek, along with 14 vice-presidents, 20 Parliament Commissioners and quaestors. The Commissions’ activity has recommenced, also in reason of the many reports submitted during the past legislature. However, a number of peculiarities inside and outside the Assembly couldn’t be ignored. Indeed, the cyclist-MEP who attended the Plenary in gym-suit didn’t pass unnoticed. Flash photographs were taken of fashion and showbiz industry celebrities from different Countries. Photographers were anxiously seeking also Finnish “web pirate” MEP. While serious attention was devoted to Hungarian MEP Adam Kosa, protector of the rights of the disabled, first deaf-mute MEP, who delivered an address – translated from sign language – on the importance of language minorities in the EU. More women, more Euroscepticals. During the plenary session political groups were set up (seven, plus a ‘non-registered’ group) that were joined in by the members of 168 parties or national movements – which amounted to 182 in the past legislature. Political party groups include the European People’s Party (265 seats, representing 36% of all MEPs), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (184 seats; 25%), Liberal-Democrats (84 MEPs; 11.4%), European Greens (55; 7.5%), European Conservatives and Reformed (55; 7.5%), Left-wing (35; 4.8%), the Euroscepticals of the Freedom and Democracy group (30 seats; 4.1%), and 28 non-inscrits MEPs. 259 MEPs are women, representing 35% of all MEPs. The highest numbers of women is to be found in the Finnish delegation (61%) while only Malta has no MEPs. 346 MEPs were re-elected from the past legislature. While the new legislature is marked by a higher number of centre-left MEPs, more Euroscepticals, a few outright anti-Europeans and stronger Liberal-Democrat and Green delegations. “Uneven” delegations. The most “uneven” delegations are those from Belgium, with MEPs from 12 different national or regional parties; followed by the French and English (11 parties) the Dutch (9) and the Spanish (8). Elected MEPs include an ex-President of the Republic (Rolandas Paksas, Lithuania) and eight ex-Prime Ministers: Jerzy Buzek, Poland; Jean-Luc Dehaene e Guy Verhofstadt, Belgium; Ciriaco De Mita, Italy; Ivars Godmanis, Latvia; Anneli Jaatteenmaki, Finland; Lojze Peterle, Slovenia; Theodor Stolojan, Romania. The youngest MEP is Emilie Turunen, born in 1984; the oldest is Ciriaco De Mita, born in 1928. The working agenda. As relates to the EP’s agenda, after the summer break the Assembly will be called to address the knot of the appointment of the President of the Commission, and later on, the renewal of the Commissioners College. Doubts remain whether proceedings should comply with the Nice Treaty or with the Lisbon Treaty, which is expected to come into force next year (provided that Ireland’s October 2 referendum closes with a ‘yes’ vote and that Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland conclude their respective ratification processes). Indeed, the two Treaties envisage different election and Commission designation regulations. However, various reports from the previous legislature were passed down to the new EP. On the agenda figures the identification of new CO2 emission targets, according to Country and sector, due to follow a common stand on post-Kyoto. The EP is also called to review the electric and electronic appliances disposal directive. Other items on the agenda. The Assembly approved in first sitting the Commission’s proposal on the regulation of timber sold in the EU, to counter illegal deforestation. Since an agreement with the Council has not yet been reached, this issue will be the object of further debate by MEPs. Thus, the Assembly will be called to adopt provisions regarding: foodstuff labelling; the further reform of the Common Agricultural Policy; patients’ mobility and cross-border healthcare; directive on working hours; pension scheme reform and the fight against terrorism.