The current situation in the European Union and challenges to be tackled together, and notably migration, were at the heart of Wednesday afternoon’s debate between European Parliament political group leaders, President of the French Republic François Hollande and Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Angela Merkel.
The visit by François Hollande and Angela Merkel is “a symbol of Franco-German reconciliation and European unity”, said Parliament’s President Martin Schulz.
Since their predecessors François Mitterrand and Helmut Kohl addressed the European Parliament in 1989, “you are the first heads of state and government to take the floor together, to address Europe’s unprecedented challenges before the representatives of European peoples”, he noted.
“When Franco-German cooperation does not work well, the whole of Europe suffers. If, in crises, they come to a good compromise, it is beneficial for all partners and the whole of the EU”, added Mr Schulz.
President of the French Republic François Hollande said that against the temptation for EU countries “to retreat into their national shells”, which condemns Europe to “powerlessness”, he advocated an “outgoing Europe”, able to “reaffirm the simple and clear principles of solidarity, responsibility and firmness”. Firmness in the face of the “brutal violation of international law” in Ukraine. And responsibility against terrorism, “which threatens the soul of our continent”. Mr Hollande also defended the principle of solidarity with refugees.
“Faced with these challenges, I am convinced that if we do not move ahead with integration, we shall stop or slip back”, said Mr Hollande. He therefore proposed “consolidating the Euro area” in order to “coordinate policies, promote fiscal convergence and harmonisation, investment, and tax and social policy”, adding that “Instituttional choices will be necessary”.
Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Angela Merkel said: “The huge number of refugees is a test of historic proportions. And to allow these people a dignified life in their homelands, is a European and a global challenge.”
“We must now resist the temptation to fall back into national government action. Right now we need more Europe! Germany and France are ready. Only together will we in Europe succeed in reducing the global causes of flight and expulsion. We can protect our external borders successfully only if we do something to deal with the many crises in our neighborhood – Turkey plays a key role”, said Ms Merkel, adding that “EU-wide return programmes are also important. The Dublin process, in its current form, is obsolete”.
More informations of debate are avaliable here
