MEPs give treaty massive backing

The resounding approval of the Lisbon Treaty and the visit of Serbian foreign minister Vuk Jeremic were the highlights of the European Parliament's business this week in Strasbourg.

A report on the Lisbon Treaty, which called for it to be speedily adopted by national parliaments, was welcomed by a overwhelming majority of MEPs, including 11 of the 13 Irish MEPs.Those who voted against were Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin) and Kathy Sinnott (South).

One of the measures in the new treaty which would come into effect in advance of European Parliament elections in 2009 would limit the number of MEPs. In Ireland's case this would likely lead to a reduction in the number of MEPs from 13 to 12, with the loss of a seat in the Dublin constituency.

On Monday, 439 members signed a declaration opposing the dominant position of some supermarkets. In particular he declaration criticised the practice by retail chain stores of imposing excessively prolonged payment conditions that jeopardise producers' cash flow.

"Consumers potentially face a loss in diversity of products and cultural heritage," the resolution said.

On Tuesday, MEPs debated three legislative reports on marketing products across Europe. The "goods package" is expected to speed up the free movement of goods within the EU.

On Wednesday, Mr Jeremic addressed MEPs on the situation in Kosovo, commenting that EU support for Kosovan independence made him "ashamed" to be a European.

He accused the EU and the United States of hypocrisy on the issue and insisted the "violation of Serbia's national territory" had not happened to a European democracy in more than 60 years. However, he added that Serbia would not resort to violence in its dispute with Kosovo.

Yesterday the House adopted a report by Italian member Monica Frassoni (Greens/ EFA) on monitoring the application of Union law, dealing with infringement procedures, which called for tougher penalties for states guilty of infringement.

MEPs also heard of plans to streamline the recruitment and payment of parliamentary assistants.