Article
Some things we learned from the March Strasbourg session
Institutions - 12-03-2010 - 11:57
Photo gallery
During the plenary, the cameras are never far from the action…
Other photos
- Full house in the visitors' gallery for Wednesday's voting session, following the debate on foreign policy
- Commission President José Manuel Barroso makes a point while answering to MEPs during question time
- Parliament's business is always serious, but that doesn’t also mean it's dull
- Wish you were out there? Watching the sun set from a corridor in Strasbourg
- Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, follows a debate during the plenary
- The EP celebrated the International Women's Day on 8 March by highlighting the fight against the worst form of discrimination: violence
- Women's Rights Committee chairperson, Swedish MEP Eva-Britt Svensson, chatted live on facebook for Women's Day
- As a man hurries past, a ray of sunshine bursts into colour in a dark hallway
- The plenary convenes in what is known as the "hemicycle"… Here is why
- Resolutions and amendments are the lifeblood of Parliament. Cypriot MEP Ioannis Kasoulides preparing to quiz EC president José Manuel Barroso during question time
- Listening in? The EP is more than the sum of its committees and, like any other place of business, needs its office grapevine to function smoothly
Debates on foreign affairs and International Women's Day marked the March sitting of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. MEPs also voted to give unemployed workers in Germany and Lithuania financial help and backed a jobs and growth strategy for the next decade. MEPs supported EU aid for those affected by natural disasters. The EP marked the annual day for victims of terrorism on Thursday. Read on and check out the slideshow for a glimpse into the 8-11 March session.
99th International Women's Day
MEPs marked the 99th International Women's Day on 8 March with a series of events in Strasbourg. Stopping violence against women was the focus this year.
Gaza conflict: implementing the Goldstone recommendations
Respect for human rights by all parties to the Gaza conflict, independent investigations of alleged violations of human rights, a strong EU common position on the follow-up of the Goldstone report and close monitoring of its implementing measures were Parliament's key demands in a resolution adopted on Wednesday. The resolution, tabled by the S&D, ALDE, Greens/EFA and GUE/NGL groups, was approved with 335 votes in favour, 287 against and 43 abstentions.
MEPs debate EU foreign policy with Catherine Ashton
In a keynote foreign policy debate with the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Catherine Ashton, many MEPs called on all member states and Lady Ashton to work together to form a more effective foreign policy.
In the resolution that followed the debate, MEPs called for the EU to enhance its strategic autonomy and conduct a strong and effective foreign, security and defence policy. MEPs want Parliament to use its budgetary power and democratic right to scrutinise these policies, including funding for the EU external action service.
An internal market that protects customers
Members want to set up a special consumer watchdog in each member state to look closely at the implementation of the EU's internal market.
Fight against the fakers
MEPs are threatening to bring a case before the Court of Justice against the European Commission and Council of Ministers if MEPs are not properly included in international negotiations on the anti-counterfeiting agreement. The agreement aims at defending intellectual property rights and at fighting the counterfeiting of goods such as luxury brand clothing, music and films.
Jobs and growth with EU2020
MEPs backed the EU2020 strategy to reduce unemployment, better co-ordinate economic policies and beef up economic governance with binding rules.
Globalisation fund: Parliament backs aid to Germany and Lithuania
MEPs backed financial aid to 3,000 former car, refrigerator and construction workers in Germany and Lithuania who will now receive €7.6 million from the EU globalisation adjustment fund for re-training.
EU Solidarity Fund for disasters
Many MEPs pressed for the use of the EU's solidarity fund to help those affected by recent natural storms and mudslides in Europe which have claimed scores of lives.
11th March - remembering the victims of terror
MEPs marked the European Day of Victims of Terror with a strong statement reaffirming that any terror act against EU citizens would not undermine Europe's fundamental principles.
Q&A with José Manuel Barroso
Commission chief José Manuel Barroso faced questions from MEPs on the European External Service, the Greek deficit, regulation of notation and credit agencies and GMO’s in his monthly 1 hour debate with MEPs.
REF.: 20100305STO70031