This was the starting point for the new and , indeed , the first European parliamentary term for MEPs elected amid the conflict between the Council , entrenched in defence of the status quo , and Parliament , committed , with partisan determination , to supporting the goal of new policies and a new system of government .
In total , 410 MEPs representing nine Member States were elected . MEPs from the Socialist Group slightly outnumbered those of the European People ’ s Party , but the overall centre-right majority allowed Simone Veil , from the Liberal and Democratic Group , to be elected as President . Greek MEPs joined their counterparts in 1981 after an election following Greece ’ s entry into the European Communities .
Altiero Spinelli , Lambert Croux and , from behind , Maria Luisa Cassanmagnago Cerretti in plenary session in Strasbourg - April 1985 . All these three MEPs were part of the informal “ Crocodile Club ” | © Communautés européennes 1985
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