Opening of new European Parliament

The opening session of the European Parliament this week in Strasbourg sees the election of a new President, 14 Vice-presidents as well as the Chairs of the Parliament's Committees. These posts will be in place for two and half years, half the term of the elected Parliament.

Tuesday: election of new EP President
 
For the post of President there are two candidates: For the right of centre European People's Party, former Polish PM Jerzy Buzek has been nominated by his peers. On the left, Swedish MEP Eva Britt Svensson has put her hat into the ring. MEPs will vote in a secret ballot on Tuesday morning to settle the issue.
 
After that will come the election of the Vice-presidents of the Parliament and a debate on the outgoing Czech Presidency of the Union.

Wednesday: Swedish EU Presidency unveils platform
 
On Wednesday Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt will be in the Chamber to lay out what he hopes to achieve over the next six months as Stockholm takes over the EU Presidency. Tackling the job crisis in Europe and steering the EU towards a common position for the Copenhagen climate talks are expected to be key goals.
 
The day also sees debates on the situation in Iran, China and Honduras.
 
Thursday: Parliament's Committees formed
 
Thursday sees the formation of Parliament's Committees which will play a key role in the process of amending legislation over the next years.