The European Parliament has chosen a relatively unknown Spanish Socialist to be its new president at the start of its sixth legislative term in Brussels today.
Mr Josep Borrell Fontelles
Mr Josep Borrell Fontelles received 388 votes on the first ballot - well above the 324 needed for the top job in the 732-member parliament.
The 57-year old, who comes from the region of Catalonia in Spain, succeeds outgoing president Mr Pat Cox.
Some 700 newly elected MEPs took their seats at the first parliament session this morning.