European Union

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Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

First of all, allow me to express cautious optimism, and I have to underline of course the word cautious. Tonight leaders took important decisions that will help secure the Union's external borders. 

We welcomed the agreement of an EU-Turkey joint action plan to tackle the current migratory crisis. Our intensified meetings with Turkish leaders here in Brussels,  Ankara, and in New York in the last couple of weeks, were devoted to one goal: stemming the migratory flows that go via Turkey to the EU. The action plan is a major step in this direction. Still, as I made clear from the very start, an agreement with Turkey makes sense only if it effectively contains the flow of refugees. Here let me thank Jean-Claude and the Commission for the great work in negotiating the action plan, it was really a demanding and difficult issue and all of us were very impressed by the effectiveness and impressive pace.

Second, we agreed to work on an integrated border management system that will go beyond the Frontex mandate. In  the coming months, the agency will be developed into a more operational body. Our aim is to give Frontex the right to return irregular migrants on its own initiative, and to make it more proactive in protecting the external borders. In the meantime, Member States will be ready to send hundreds more border guards to Frontex and EASO to secure the hotspot areas in Greece and Italy.

Progress on  genuine border security is in my opinion, a very important achievement of tonight. Not because I have advocated the need to protect the EU's borders, but because it is our first obligation to protect the European community, and to guarantee public order. We have made a step in this direction.

Third, we also discussed broader challenges in order to be ready for a new influx of refugees next year. We had a debate on the future of the Dublin regulation, on the EU border guard system and on the specific role of hotspots. These are all divisive issues and the goal today was to  have a first serious exchange of views on them. If we are not able to find humanitarian and efficient solutions, then others will find solutions which are inhumane, nationalistic and for sure not European.

And finally on Britain: I briefed leaders on the preparatory discussions between my officials and the UK over the last months. We welcomed Prime Minister Cameron's commitment to set out the UK's specific concerns in writing by early November. Thank you

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Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

This morning, we had useful discussions with the social partners on their role in stepping up employment and growth in Europe. The recovery is under way, but Europe continues to pay the social costs of the crisis. The political damage, I have in mind the rise of populism for example, is also growing. Our exchange highlighted that we need to work on the social dimension of the Economic and Monetary Union. The Five Presidents' Report has given us ideas on how to do this.

The Social Summit also discussed the refugee crisis, including the challenge of receiving and integrating refugees coming to Europe with no prospect of being able to return home in the medium term. The social partners have a huge role to play here. And finally, we also discussed the possible impact the migration influx may have on the European labour market and our economy.

Let me now turn to the European Council. We agreed in September that our priority should be strengthening the EU´s external borders, as well as increasing our support for the countries in the neighbourhood and the refugees there. And today we will build on that.

First, I expect leaders to agree a set of conclusions that will make full use of Frontex now and develop it into a more operational body, including the right to initiate and conduct returns, and be pro-active when it comes to protecting external borders.

Second, in the context of Valetta Summit with the African countries, Turkey and the wider Middle East region, we will discuss what the "more for more" principle should mean in practice. The aim of all these talks will be an effective return and readmission policy, prevention of illegal migration, and creating legal migration channels.

But at the same time we must turn words into deeds when it comes to financial assistance to the region. National pledges to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, to the World Food Programme that helps provide food to the displaced people in the region, and to the EU trust funds for the countries of origin and transit have not been fulfilled. We can and must do much better here. This is a point I will make tonight.

Third, we will address the very complex situation in the region. Our talks with Turkey are ongoing. Libya is still volatile. And the situation in Syria is deteriorating. All this may lead to a new massive exodus of refugees. It is our obligation to be prepared for all possible scenarios. We must ask ourselves if the decisions we are going to take are sufficient to contain a new migratory wave.

Finally, leaders need to start discussing, together, some of the big challenges in the medium and long term. On the future of the Dublin system, which is now in force. On the specific role of hotspots in light of different opinions regarding their character and purpose. And on the strengthening of our external borders, including a possible EU border and coast guard system. We will not find a solution today but we need to start a serious discussion.

I also want to add how impressed I was by what was said during the tripartite social summit about the problem of refugees. That this problem, this challenge, can be transformed into an opportunity. And that it is crucial here to combine realism with decency, pragmatism with solidarity. Our partners showed an approach towards refugees without any prejudice, without ideological orthodoxies, help-oriented and full of common sense. For me this is a source of cautious optimism, and I thank you for your support in this context. Thank you.

The EU welcomes the signing of a Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) between the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and Ethnic Armed Organisations. We congratulate the parties on their determination to conclude a challenging negotiation process. After decades of armed conflict and civilian suffering, this day marks a significant milestone on Myanmar/Burma's road to peace, security and prosperity. 

Compromises were made by all parties, demonstrating strong political will to address long-standing grievances through dialogue and co-operation rather than conflict and violence. 

The signing of the NCA is essential to establish a just and lasting peace in Myanmar/Burma. It allows for the start of a comprehensive, inclusive and credible political dialogue which will be the next step towards national reconciliation, respect for the rights of persons belonging to minorities and equitable development for all. 

The EU notes that not all ethnic armed organisations have signed the NCA today. It is important that ongoing dialogue with the groups that have not signed is prioritised in order to continue to build trust. We welcome the inclusion of these groups, as observers, in the next phase of the process. 

As a long-standing partner and active supporter of Myanmar/Burma's peace process, the EU is honoured to be one of the parties invited to sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement as an international witness. The EU and its Member States will continue to closely follow the peace process. We remain committed to further supporting it.