European Parliament
President.
In his absence I should like to thank Mr Laschet. The award is to be presented in May 2004, some weeks before the election. In addition to the personal honour, of which I am very conscious, it is a wonderful tribute to the role of the European Parliament in an election year and I would be happy to receive the award in that context on behalf of this House and the contribution it makes to European Union affairs.
(Applause)

