Jerzy Buzek, a former Polish Prime Minister, was elected the new head of European Parliament in Strasbourg. He was voted by 555 out of 713 MEPs.

Mr Buzek is the first politician from a new member state to chair a leading European institution. His election is perceived as symbolic victory for the former communist countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

Mr Buzek will serve for two and a half years as president. After that, Martin Schulz from Germany, will take over for the same period of time.