In the last session of the current parliamentary term, MEPs approved a ban on almost all seal products, decided to put on hold telecoms reform and voted to back measures to protect primates from animal testing.

In the last session of the current parliamentary term, MEPs approved a ban on almost all seal products, decided to put on hold telecoms reform and voted to back measures to protect primates from animal testing. The week also saw Parliament's President Hans-Gert Pottering bid farewell after two and a half years. MEPs sent plans to extend maternity leave back to committee and discussed the flu pandemic. The House also discussed ways to tackle Europe's rising unemployment.
MEPs discussed human rights around the world and called for the release of American-Iranian journalist Roxana Saberi from Iranian custody.
 
Separately, they called on the Commission to halt plans to allow Rosé wine to be made using white and red wine.
 
Finally, with elections due in June many MEPs who will be standing down or who may not get reelected used their speeches in the last session to reflect on their time as Members and pay tribute to some of their colleagues.
 
Read on for more information about the May Strasbourg plenary session.