Brussels, 22/11/2004 (Agence Europe) - One of the first decision of the new Barroso Commission was to send an election observer mission to the Palestinian territories at the beginning of December (9 January) led by MEP Rocard. And Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner. A press statement explained the "essential" role of this mission, which was provided with a budget of EUR 2.5 million (out of around EUR 14 million planned for preparing the Palestinian elections).