SPECIAL EP PLENARY ON 9 MAY.

Europe Environment, March, 2007

Sixty Nobel Prize winners will be invited to the European Parliament's special plenary session, on 9 May in Brussels, to celebrate Europe Day. The decision, adopted by the political group leaders on 15 March in Strasbourg, was welcomed by Socialist Group head Martin Schulz (Germany), who commented: "This event will underline the high level of achievement in the EU and symbolise the strength of our 27 nations working together".

After a successful Spring Summit and the forthcoming adoption of a highly symbolic Berlin Declaration, Schulz sees "a significant change of atmosphere" taking place in Europe. "This formal session of the Parliament will contribute to the renewed self-confidence of our Union," he said. (CSA)