Abstract
Since the origins of the building of the European Community, the idea of a direct election of the EP was present. In the Rome Treaty, the commitment to abolish the system of nominated members was settled, but no timetable was laid down. Thus, it occurred only in 1979, after the reluctance of the Council of Ministers had been reduced. After that first election, the parliament held its first session on 11 July 1979, electing Simone Veil MEP as its President. Veil was also the first woman President of the Parliament since it was formed as the Common Assembly, and held an introductory speech of her mandate. Through this speech of Simone Veil, we will analyze the consequences of the direct election of the Parliament on its function of democratic control over the other institutions.
