On January 13th, 1986, Pierre PFILMLIN, EP President, held in Strasbourg the first siiting of European Parliament enlarged to Spain. Arrival of the Spanish and Portuguese MEPs at the airport of Strasbourg, welcomed by Pierre PFLIMLIN, EP President. Statement by Pierre PFIMLIN, EP President, at EP Strasbourg.

Strasbourg

plenary session

Enlargement to Spain (T)

Enlargement to Portugal (T)

EU - Spain (T)

ceremony

EU - Portugal (T)

PFLIMLIN, Pierre (EPP, FR)

First sitting of enlarged European Parliament to Spain and Portugal: formal opening by Pierre PFLIMLIN, EP President (Strasbourg, 13/01/1986)

Title: First sitting of enlarged European Parliament to Spain and Portugal: Formal opening by Pierre PFLIMLIN, EP President (Strasbourg, 13/01/1986)

Arrival of news Spanish and Portuguese MEPs at the airport of Strasbourg, welcomed by Pierre PFLIMLIN, EP President (4 shots)

Atmosphere in the chamber before the sitting, arrival of Pierre PFLIMLIN, EP President (3 shots)

SOUNDBITE (French), Pierre PFLIMLIN, EP President, "This is an historic time. For the first time representatives of spain and portugal sit among us.To our new colleagues, the 60 Spanish and 24 Portuguese, I wish you all a very warm welcome."

SOUNDBITE (French), Pierre PFLIMLIN, EP President, "The entry of Spain and Portugal will remain in the annals of the European community as a significant event whose scope extends well beyond a historical perspective the events that the community has experienced in recent years. This expansion was necessary as a political imperative that has come to prevail over all other considerations. We must congratulate men of state and national parliaments who understood so that all obstacles were eventually overcome. Political imperative. Indeed, Spain and Portugal have always played an important role in Europe. It is impossible to discuss and understand our common history not taken into account. The contribution of the Spanish nation and the Portuguese nation in the civilization of Europe is first class."

SOUNDBITE (French), Pierre PFLIMLIN, EP President, "Yes. The place of Spain and Portugal is naturally in our community. This community, ladies and gentlemen, is a set of free peoples. Nations such as Spain and Portugal practicing pluralist democracy are not very many in the world. It is essential that they be together. It is necessary at least in Europe they are closely united. Solidarity increases the chances of survival of democracy and its influence. Affirmations like these are not made to conceal the difficulties we encounter in the years to come."

SOUNDBITE (French), Pierre PFLIMLIN, EP President, "I have often observed that ordinary citizens understand better than some ministers the need for mutual support and joint action. The mission of our parliament is precisely to act in the direction of strengthening the community spirit. In his capacity I am convinced that our Spanish and Portuguese colleagues are determined to contribute."

SOUNDBITE (French), Pierre PFLIMLIN, EP President, "Reinforcement of Spain and Portugal happens to us at a particularly opportune moment. While governments and national parliaments will then be asked to vote on a draft treaty says "single act" which is supposed to make a reform of the EU institutions to make them more effective and more democratic."

SOUNDBITE (French), Pierre PFLIMLIN, EP President, "You might bring us Spanish and Portuguese colleagues extra dynamism. That is why this day of January 14, 86 is our day of joy but also and above all a day of hope."

Applauses, installation of the Spanish and the Portuguese flags in the Chamber (7 shots)