Key facts of 2007

As the EU celebrates its 50th birthday this year, hard questions about its future will be voiced in the debate over the Constitution. How to proceed will be a key part of 2007. This year is also the 'Year of equal opportunities for all' where increasing the involvement of marginalised groups in society is the main aim. In January MEPs elect a new President - key places on Parliament's Committees are also being voted. Action on energy and roaming charges for mobiles will also be seen this year.

MEPs, including the new members from Bulgaria and Romania, begin their year with a series of elections to decide key posts in the Parliament as it reaches the half way point through its term in office. On 16 January they will elect a new President, replacing Josep Borrell whose term will come to an end, along with 14 Vice-Presidents for the second half of the term. A week later Parliament's 20 Committee's and 2 Subcommittees will elect Chairs and Vice Chairs.

On 25 March the EU marks 50 years since the signing of the Treaty of Rome which founded the then 'European Community': In half a century it has gone from 6 to 27 countries with more knocking at the door. The world has also moved on, the 'coal and steel community' as it was first based on is slowly giving way to renewable fuels and Europe has been reunited after the end of the Cold War. The anniversary will be marked by a serious of events across Europe.

This year could be the one when tough decisions need to be taken about the future of the European Constitution. In June Germany will round of its six months EU Presidency (before handing over to Portugal) with proposals how to take forward the institutional reforms that were foreseen by the Constitution.

Further information: European Parliament Agenda 2007