18 new MEPs take their seats

The European Parliament welcomes the 18 new MEPs who were agreed to under the Lisbon Treaty bringing the total number to 751 from 736. Under the Treaty Germany loses 3 seats, however, since it came into force after the elections in June 2009, Germany will retain those seats until the next elections in 2014. Until then the number of MEPs will temporarily rise to 754. Click photo to find out more about the new MEPs.