One of the major events in the Committee 1 calendar, the Autumn Plenary Session gathered in Brussels on 6 November.

During this fruitful meeting key steps were taken to strengthen Committee 1:
The Committee 1 Presidium was reinforced through the election of Kenneth Backgård,  Norrbotten (SE), Vice-President for Rural Development, Energy and Environment.

Moreover, chairmen were elected for the following working groups:

Jean-Luc Vanraes, Brussels Capital (BE) for the Working Group on Investment, Business and SMEs.
Jan Owe-Larsson, East Sweden (SE) for the Working Group on Transport and Regional airports.
The two representatives for equal opportunities are: MonaLisa Norrman, Jämtland (SE)
and Marianne Saenen, Wallonie (BE)
In addition to taking stock of 2013 activities and progress, the members debated on the key priorities for 2014, which are translated into a concrete work plan: Economic development, innovation, energy and climate, rural development and transport will all remain high on next year’s agenda.