The European parliament held the first session of its new five-year term in Strasbourg, France [AFP]

The 69-year-old won the backing of 555 members of the the 736-member assembly on Tuesday, as the parliament in Strasbourg, France began its first session of a new five-year term.

"This is a symbolic day. I consider my election to be a signal for our countries", Buzek said in reference to eastern European nations that joined the EU in 2004.

"I also consider it to be a homage to the millions of citizens who refused to bow to a hostile system.

"There is no longer you and us. Now there is only one Europe shared," Buzek, who is from the conservative European People's Party, said.

'Resounding victory'

Jose Manuel Barroso, president of European Commission - the EU's executive arm - said Buzek's election was a sign that European integration had been a success.

Buzek replaces Hans-Gert Poettering, from Germany, for two-and-a-half years, before handing over to Martin Schulz, the socialist bloc leader, under an arrangement between the left and right-wing factions, the biggest in the assembly.

The former Polish prime minister headed a coalition government from 1997-2001, and has been a member of the European Parliament since 2004.

He was also a member of the pro-democracy Solidarity trade union which ended Communist rule in Poland in 1989.

His post, while symbolic for eastern European states, is largely ceremonial, and holds little influence over the assembly.

The European parliament examines, amends and endorses thousands of European rules which effect the lives of around 500 million people.

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