This press kit is a compilation of recent press releases, prepared for the informal European Council on 23 May, setting out the European Parliament's work and positions regarding growth and jobs .

Almost half of the Europeans surveyed think that combining public spending cuts with measures to boost economic growth is the best way to end the current economic crisis, says the latest European Parliament Eurobarometer poll. Over half (55%), say these measures should be coordinated among Member States. Most Europeans also say that financial help for Member States in difficulty must be conditional on compliance with common rules (80%).

Eiropas Parlamenta priekšsēdētājs Martins Šulcs, atklājot maija plenārsesiju Strasbūrā, nosodīja pie Brindisi arodskolas notikušā sprādziena rīkotājus un Parlamenta vārdā izteica līdzjūtību sprādziena upuriem un viņu ģimenēm. Tāpat Martins Šulcs pauda līdzjūtību Emīlijā-Romanjā notikušās zemestrīces upuriem.

Parliament decided on Thursday not to defend the immunity of Corneliu Vadim Tudor (NA, RO), who had asked that it be upheld in connection with proceedings before Romania's High Court of Cassation.

Plenārsesijas atklāšanā Briselē trešdien Parlamenta priekšsēdētājs Martins Šulcs nosodīja pieaugošos draudus cilvēktiesību aktīvistiem Bahreinā un Ēģiptē un pieminēja mūžībā aizgājušo Eiropas Parlamenta deputātu Miguel Portas.

The European Parliament's current President, Jerzy Buzek, is soon to hand over the reins to his successor, who will be chosen by the full body of MEPs at the Strasbourg plenary session in January 2012. This mid-way point between the European elections of 2009 and 2014 gives an opportunity to review some of the main legislation adopted by MEPs over the last two and a half years.

The European Parliament will mark this year's anniversary of the Schumann Declaration by opening its doors to citizens and offering them many activities that provide behind-the-scenes insights into Parliament's activities.

Raising the retirement age of EU staff, cutting the costs of their salaries and pension adjustment method and reducing their paid travelling time are among proposals, approved by the Legal Affairs Committee on Wednesday, to make substantial savings on EU administration costs. The committee also agreed on a series of provisions to improve efficiency and prevent conflicts of interest.

Parlamenta priekšsēdētājs Martins Šulcs atklāja plenārsesiju, sveicot 12 novērotājus no Horvātijas, kas turpmāk piedalīsies Parlamenta politisko grupu un komiteju darbā, lai tādējādi sagatavotos Eiropas Parlamenta deputātu pienākumiem pēc 2013. gada 1. jūlija, kad Horvātija pievienosies Eiropas Savienībai. Šulcs piebilda, ka Horvātijas vēlme pievienoties ES liecina par to, ka, "neraugoties uz ekonomikas krīzi, ES joprojām spēj darboties vienoti un pārliecinoši".

The European Citizens' Initiative regulation, which takes effect on 1 April, empowers European Union (EU) citizens to work together across borders to play a direct part in shaping democratic decisions. It is the world's only transnational tool of direct democracy.