In his New Year message this evening in Brussels, Guy Verhofstadt states that 2011 must be the year when the Union shows leadership and decisive action.

"2010 has been a year of crisis for the EU, in particular for the euro but more broadly in the EU's inability to deal with it decisively which has resulted in market instability and a rise in euroscepticism.

Conversely, 2011 must be the year of action and decision; a credible strengthening of the Stability and Growth pact, the emergence of a eurobond market and genuine convergence of national economic policies.

The European Parliament's political response to the situation in Belarus in the aftermath of the presidential elections of 19 December 2010 will be discussed on Wednesday 12 January during an extraordinary meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in association with the Subcommittee on Human Rights, the Delegation for relations with Belarus and the Delegation to the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly.

Headed by EPP Group Chairman, Joseph Daul and President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, the EPP Group is organising a ceremony, on Wednesday 12 January, to honour former European Commission Vice-President, Loyola de Palacio, who died in 2006.

Brussels, 11/01/2011 - The Commercial Vehicle Board of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has elected Alfredo Altavilla as its new Chairman for 2011. Altavilla is CEO of IVECO. At ACEA, he takes over from Leif Johansson, CEO of Volvo Group, who was ACEA Commercial Vehicle Chairman during 2010.

"EPP Group's initiatives in defence of Christian populations"

Tuesday 11 January 2011
11.00-11.30 hrs - Room PHS 0A50
European Parliament , Brussels

Following the recent attacks of Coptic Christians in Egypt, as well as other attacks in recent months in other countries, it is important to hear some direct testimonies, but also to present the concrete actions that the EPP Group intends to take to protect religious freedom throughout the world.

Participants at the conference will include: