As the special conference, convened to launch the enlargement negotiations, opened in London, MEPs endorsed the Commission strategy for opening talks on a country-by-country basis. Council President-in-Office Douglas Henderson had assured the House that Parliament would be fully involved.
People's issues were also a priority. Parliament voted for better food standards and improvements to consumer rights. MEPs want to see concerted effort to reduce Europe's appalling road accident record. The Commission came under fire for not doing enough to force the World Cup organisers to make more tickets available to fans. Next month MEPs will be looking at relations with Russia, and VAT.