EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT The past five years

Has this been a term of endearment?

By Simon Taylor - 14.05.2009 / 05:00 CET

MEPs have made major changes to legislation, but efforts to improve image have been disappointing.

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Fact file

The highs and the lows of the legislature

Top moments
1. Rejection of Rocco Buttiglione – October 2004
2. Rejection of software patents – July 2005
3. Rejection of port services – January 2006
4. Adoption of the services directive – 2004 to 2006
5. Victory on passenger name records – May 2006
6. Adoption of REACH – December 2006
7. Adoption of the climate change package – December 2008
8. Financial markets regulation
Jury's out
1. Telecoms vote – May 2009
2. Internal energy market package – April 2009
Worst moments
1. Data retention – July 2005 to March 2006
2. Parliament internal auditors' report on problems with MEPs' assistants' allowances – February 2008
3. Working time – April 2009
4. Failure to agree full transparency over expenses – May-July 2008
Star performers
Claude Turmes – Luxembourg, Green
Chris Davies – UK, Liberal
Claudio Fava – Italy, Socialist
Sophia in 't Veld – the Netherlands, Liberal