” “The debut of the current Portuguese presidency and the economic situation of the euro-zone are two of the major items on the agenda of the EU Parliament, which is gathering in its plenary meeting in Strasbourg from 9th to 12th July. The Prime Minister José Socrates will explain to the MEPs the plans that the Lisbon Government intends to carry out over these six months. "Reform of treaties, modernisation of economy and European societies, strengthening of the role of Europe in the world are explains an official release the three pillars which the work of the presidency will turn around". Parliament will also have to take a decision about the mandate of the Intergovernmental Conference (report drawn up by the German MEP Jo Leinen) to outline the "reform treaty" and will appoint the three MEPs who will represent the Assembly there. Other items on the agenda include the standardisation of electricity and gas markets, common rules on food enzymes, a directive prohibiting "use of mercury in thermometers for measuring body temperature" and a directive to end the process of deregulation of the post services, "opening to competition the sending of parcels of less than 50 grams". (continued) ” “
