Eight months have passed since this particularly important topic was discussed in a plenary session of the European Parliament.

I declare resumed the session of the European Parliament adjourned on 9 May 1996.

I would remind you that the resolution adopted by the plenary session of the European Parliament on 30 January is clearly in line with this reasoning.

On February 14-16, 2006, a plenary session of the European parliament carried out its first reading of the Directive in Strasbourg.

I am deeply moved that, in this historic session of the European Parliament, the first plenary session since enlargement, I have the opportunity to speak to you in my mother tongue.

Just two years ago, here in a plenary session of the European Parliament, I said that, in my opinion, one of the most significant challenges facing transport today is clearly that of making intelligent transport systems widely available in Europe.

Article 10 of the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Communities does indeed say that, during the sessions of the European Parliament, Members shall enjoy immunity in the territory of other Member States.

Today, I have the exceptional and great honour to speak to you at the plenary session of the European Parliament, representing the most important political parties of the Member States of the European Union and for this opportunity I wish to thank you.

Similarly, Article 9 states that during sessions of the European Parliament, its Members shall enjoy in the territory of their own State, the immunities accorded to members of their parliament, and in the territory of any other Member State, immunity from any measure of detention and from legal proceedings.