Opening: minute’s silence for victims of Germanwings air crash and Tunis attacks
The session opened with a minute’s silence for victims of the Germanwings air crash in the French Alps on 24 March and the terrorist attack on Tunisia’s Bardo museum on 18 March. President Schulz conveyed Parliament’s deepest sympathy to their families and friends.
Mr Schulz noted that the 150 crash victims included the aircrew of six, and sixteen school pupils on their way home to Haltern, North Rhine Westphalia, after an exchange trip to Spain. The whole town is traumatized by the loss, he said.
He also conveyed Parliament’s condolences to the families and friends of victims of the 18 March terrorist attack on Tunisia’s Bardo museum (Tunis). These attacks bore witness to the rise of fanatical fundamentalism, he said.
Agenda changes
The sitting was extended until 23.00.
The Commission statement on European Neighbourhood Policy was postponed to a future sitting and replaced by one by EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, at 19.00, on the terrorist attacks in Tunisia. This will be followed by a round of political group speakers.
A resolution on International Roma Day and EU recognition of the memorial day of the Roma genocide during WW II will be put to a vote at the April I session.
Incoming/outgoing MEPs
Mihai ȚURCANU (EPP, RO) replaced Eduard-Raul HELLVIG (EPP, RO), as of 1 March
Estefanía TORRES (EUL/NGL, ES) replaced Pablo ECHENIQUE (EUL/NGL, ES), as of 15 March