After a series of close votes on amendments to the Commission's proposal to increase the EU-wide minimum levels of excise duty on alcoholic drinks in line with inflation, Parliament voted to reject the proposal altogether at the final vote - there were 198 votes in favour, 355 against and 39 abstentions.
Eiropas Parlamenta priekšsēdētājs Hans-Gert PÖTTERING ceturtdien, 24. maija plenārsēdē, sveica bijušo šaha čempionu un Krievijas opozīcijas aktīvistu, Vienotās pilsoniskās frontes līderi Gariju Kasparovu.