Find out how Fiona spends her week

Monday 27th March

Monday of Group Week is a good time for meetings with "outsiders" first I met with representatives of 'Médecins sans Frontières' (Doctors without Borders) to follow up on an earlier discussion about the high mortality rate in the Democratic Republic of Congo, later with an MA student seeking my views on EPAs (Economic Partnership Agreements) and finally with the European Lighting Federation to discuss energy efficiency issues including a possible audit of all the lighting in the parliament!

Tuesday 28th March

Popped in to a seminar held by the Green group in the parliament on the upcoming elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Unfortunately it appears the elections have been postponed again, not good news. In the afternoon I spoke to a group of visiting students from the East Midlands this time, about my work in the parliament and the work of the EU. We had a very quiet ALDE (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe) meeting for me so I was able to get back to the office and catch up on my paperwork.

Wednesday 29th March

Following this morning's ALDE group meeting I met with representatives of the Local Government Association to discuss implementing energy efficiency measures at a local and regional level. In the afternoon I had a visit from the Ethiopian Ambassador who wished to put his side of the story about the current political situation there following the elections I observed last year. The evening started with a 50th birthday reception for the leader of ALDE Graham Watson, where I was surprised to learn it was the President of the Commission, José Manuel Barosso's birthday too! Then a useful dinner with the visiting representatives from the Local Government Association, including a former leader of Newcastle City Council.

Thursday 30th March

A chance tackle the backlog of emails before meeting with MEP colleagues from the Greens and the Socialists to discuss a vote we will be having in the Industry, Research and Energy Committee in Strasbourg on Monday on an EU energy treaty with the Balkans. We share a common view on some issues and will press to get a number of amendments approved.

Friday 31st March

A very busy day indeed in the North East starting at Whitley Bay High School then on to St Joseph's RC Comprehensive in Hebburn, followed by a meeting with the head at one, the regional development agency, on a long and varied list of topics I wished to raise with him. The day ended with a joint meeting in Amble with Berwick MP Alan Beith where the Coquet Youth Team gave an excellent presentation about the effects of the financial cuts they are facing.