Courtesy of European Parliament
The January 15 2007 plenary session of the European Parliament started with the welcoming of new MEPs from Bulgaria and Romania.
Outgoing EP president Josep Borrell welcomed each one of the 18 Bulgarian and 35 Romanian MEPs.
The new parliament representatives entered the hall after the Bulgarian and Romanian flags were carried through the chamber, EPs official website said.
MEPs now number 785 and come from 27 countries and 177 parties. The Bulgarian and Romanian representatives were selected by the national parliaments and will hold the positions until MEP elections take place in the two countries.
Borrell said that the euro optimism seen in Bulgaria and Romania was reassuring given the euroscepticism in our countries and capitals.
Bulgarian and Romanian MEPs, who until recently were only EP observers, have now been guaranteed full rights. They will be able to vote, take part in all discussions and be members of parliamentary committees.
