Find out how Fiona spends her week

Monday 20th March

This week I have a student from St Andrews University on work experience in my office in Brussels. She proves to be a capable extra pair of hands.

Tuesday 21st March

A petition against the Path Head Landfill site in Gateshead came to the Petitions Committee today in the European Parliament. Two representatives from the campaign came over from the North East to present the case. I also went to support them and we succeeded in getting the petition through to the next level of consideration. I also went to a meeting of the Development Committee to learn how the REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) will affect developing countries who export to the EU.

Wednesday 22nd March

Today and Thursday are "mini plenary" days when the parliament meets in full session in Brussels. I spoke in the hemicycle on a report I have been working on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries http://www.fionahall.org.uk/articlesandspeeches/18/index.phtml.

Thursday 23rd March

Voting in the morning then a meeting with a representative from the UN's Department for the Prevention of Genocide. We spoke of the need for careful monitoring in unstable countries that are in a state of transition.

Friday 24th March

Ruth, my press officer has moved to the role of campaigns officer, so today was spent interviewing for her replacement as well as travelling to speak to students at Egglescliffe School.