MEPs reduce presence in Strasbourg

EUObserver reported that Members of the European Parliament (MEPs)voted on the 9 March 2011 to reduce their presence in Strasbourg slightly, cutting one of their monthly week-long sessions in the French city.

While the reduction is only moderate, it was a sign of the growing frustration by a majority of MEPs at being required to make a monthly trek to the Franco-German border town and of their ambition to force a change to what many have described for years as a 'travelling circus'.

• Primary Source

EUObserver, 15.4.11: MEPs suggest Van Rompuy shift EU summits to Strasbourg http://euobserver.com/9/32192

EurActiv, 10.3.11: MEPs vote to reduce Strasbourg calendar http://www.euractiv.com/future-eu/meps-vote-reduce-strasbourg-cale-news-502987

EurActiv, 15.3.11: France takes Parliament to court over Strasbourg sessions http://www.euractiv.com/future-eu/france-takes-parliament-court-st-news-503113

ESO: Background information: EU parliamentarians see no need for Strasbourg sessions, report claims http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-parliamentarians-see-no-need-for-strasbourg-sessions-report-claims/

European Parliament: Press Release, 9.3.11: Parliament approves plenary session dates for 2012 and 2013 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/pdfs/news/expert/infopress/20110309IPR15174/20110309IPR15174_en.pdf

EUObserver, 23.3.11: MEPs tell Buzek to seek end to Strasbourg seat http://euobserver.com/9/32039

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