The first plenary of 2010 will set the tone for the rest of the year. The hearings for Barroso's new Commission continue with Cecilia Malmström's hearing, covering the controversial issue of immigration. Plus, the disappointment of 2009 will be revisited

Flash: Commission hearings move to Strasbourg

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The Commissioners' hearings   continue in Strasbourg next week.

It's the turn of Swede   Cecilia Malmström to be grilled.

As racist incidents increase in Europe,   evidenced by events in Italy recently,

the future Commissioner must show her   ability on asylum and immigration.

For example when there are   expulsions as is the case in Italy,

how will the Commissioner deal with this?

How will she ensure that no   EU country will deport homosexuals

to countries where   they would be persecuted.

For homosexuals   we want solid examples,

and we want to know how   she will attack the problems.

MEPs will also elect   the new EU Ombudsman,

Outgoing Ombudsman Nikiforos   Diamandouros is candidate again.

He'll be going head to head with   Pierre-Yves Monette and Vittorio Botolli.

I hope the EP makes the right choice   for the new Ombudsman,

and that he strengthens his role   so that European citizens

have more possibilities   to exercise their rights.

Climate change: MEPs will revisit   the Copenhagen disaster.

They'll debate carbon taxes   outside Europe's borders.

Taxes on the borders   maintain competitivity

But for exports it will   create a barrier to trade

MEPs will also debate the next climate   conference in Cancún, Mexico