By Martin Banks - 15th December 2011
I did everything in order not to disappoint your trust
Jerzy Buzek
Parliament's president Jerzy Buzek says he was "incredibly honoured" to hold the assembly's top job for the past two and a half years.
But he conceded that such was the political and economic turbulence that the EU had endured during his tenure that he came close to "losing hope".
The Polish MEP was speaking in Strasbourg on Thursday where he gave his last formal speech to MEPs before he steps down as president.
Buzek, who succeeded German deputy Hans-Gert Pöttering, told members, "I did everything in order not to disappoint your trust.
"I knew that I could count on you, no matter what our views were," added the EPP member.
The former Polish prime minister outlined his work, although he said members would receive a "detailed document" in the New Year.
He told the plenary, "You know as well as I do that my term as president coincided with an exceptionally difficult time for Europe
"First, we introduced the Lisbon treaty. Second, we faced the crisis. Third, we observed globalisation at an incredible speed, and, fourth, we stand in front of the most important decisions for our future."
He said, "Throughout my term in office I have played a part in resolving the tensions between the various EU institutions, leaders of member states, and the states themselves."
He admitted, "On many occasions I have been close to losing hope that a settlement would be found. But in general, we reached a compromise.
"This is why I am optimist today. I have never had doubts about a common Europe.
"Representing you in Europe, and around the world, I was able to perceive the full, distinctive borders of the European project, as well as its exceptional, human, moral, economic and cultural potential."
Buzek's term will formally end on 17 January when he is expected to be replaced by German MEP Martin Schulz.
He said, "The EU has an incredible value, one worth working for and living in.
"But it is a value that can be created and used only if we are united.
It is this very Europe that I will always serve with energy and determination."
He went on, "I dream of parliament, uniting so many nations, being a body making real changes on behalf of our citizens."
