Brussels, 30/04/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Monday in Strasbourg, during its last plenary session before the European elections in June, the European Parliament is to welcome 162 MEPs of the ten new EU Member States. On Wednesday, it will approve the composition of the enlarged European Commission with ten new Commissioners (and, at the same time, the nomination of Commissioners Almunia and Barrot who are to replace the former Commissioners Solbes and Barnier). On Tuesday, during the general debate on the future of the enlarged Union, the Council and European Commission presidents will mainly speak of the prospects for adopting the European Constitution and the situation in Cyprus after rejection of the Annan Plan for reunification of the island, during the referendum on 24 April.
On Monday, the session will be preceded by a lunch hosted by President Cox for the presidents of the parliaments of the new Member States. At 17h00, before the Parliament, there will be a solemn ceremony during which the presidents of the parliaments of the ten new Member States will hand over the flags of their countries to Pat Cox. President Cox and the former Polish President, Lech Walesa, will make a brief address.
On Wednesday, after the debates, Pat Cox will give his last speech in plenary in his capacity as President of the Parliament.