Brussels, 18/12/2006 (Agence Europe) - Before beginning discussion on the European Council (see related article), the last EP plenary session of 2006 opened in Brussels on 18 December with the joint signature, in the chamber, of two very important pieces of Community legislation last week: the REACH legislation on dangerous products and the 7th framework programme on research and development (see EUROPE 9327 on the plenary session votes in Strasbourg). Presidents Borrell and Vanhanen, flanked by Commission President José Manuel Barroso, environment committee chairman Florenz, REACH rapporteur Sacconi, industry committee deputy chairman Ransdorf and 7the R&D framework programme rapporteurs Buzek, Busquin and Laperrouze, signed the texts. In his speech, the Finnish Prime Minister stressed that REACH “completely renews legislation that was forty years old”, and strongly hoped that the new rules would be applied as intended. Mr Vanhanen spoke of the role the 7th R&D programme could have in terms of competitiveness and innovation in Europe, and thus in reaching the Lisbon objectives. (mg)