The plenary session will open with a short ceremony honouring the life and legacy of former Commission President Jacques Delors, who passed away on 27 December 2023. Delors was President of the European Commission from 1985 to 1995 and was a crucial figure in the creation of the EU’s single market and the Economic and Monetary Union. EP President Roberta Metsola said Jacques Delors was “a giant. A public servant. A visionary. He believed in a Europe built on competition that stimulates, cooperation that strengthens, and solidarity that unites. His vision guides us still today. We honour his memory by keeping his legacy alive.” During the short ceremony, one speaker for each political group will take the floor.