European Union

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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. 

In October 2013, Romania bought 12 second-hand F-16AM/BM aircraft from Portugal to replace part of its fleet of Russian built MiG-21 Lancer fighter aircraft. Romania was rumored to have paid about 638 million EUR with 120 million EUR for the acquisition of the planes. The contract also included modifications and upgrades performed by Lockheed Martin; additional engines; logistics support; and the training of 9 Romanian pilots and 69 maintenance technicians.

Romania is currently working on modernizing the Fetesti 86 military base which will be host to Romania’s first F-16s. Those are scheduled to arrive in 2016. The base must meet NATO standards by then.

Tag: RomaniaF-16

Does postponing her first trip to China for "important matters" mean tax cases imminent?

Danes are known for being fastidious about appointments. So it’s a really big deal that Margrethe Vestager, the EU competition commissioner, has cancelled her first trip to China. She was supposed to be there on Thursday and Friday.

The commission admits that something is up: “Due to important matters requiring her presence and full attention in Brussels, the commissioner will have to postpone the visit to China,” said a spokesperson.

We may be reading too much into these runes at the Brussels Blog, but there is a clamorous army of lawyers in Brussels simultaneously saying that we are reaching endgame in the landmark tax avoidance cases involving Fiat, Starbucks, Apple and Amazon.

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We will meet on Thursday against the background of refugee pressure that has been increasing in recent months. We agreed in September that our priority should be strengthening of the EU's external borders, as well as increasing our support for the countries in the neighbourhood and the refugees there.

Our natural reaction was to seek solutions to the refugee crisis, not only internally, but also by addressing the root causes through cooperation with the countries of origin and transit. As a result, the EU has engaged in an intensive dialogue with Turkish leaders as the biggest transit country. The goal of my talks in Ankara was to stem the wave of refugees to Europe. An agreement with Turkey makes sense if it effectively reduces the inflow of refugees. Concessions will only be justified when this goal is achieved.

We can already make the first assessment of our actions. One thing is beyond any dispute. The situation in the region is difficult and politically very complex. Just to give one example, Turkey is calling on us to support the establishment of a safe zone in northern Syria, whereas Russia -increasingly engaged in Syria - is openly rejecting this idea. There is no doubt that our strengthened cooperation with the region is indispensable, but it will be a long march. I propose that we discuss our common approach to Turkey and Syria over dinner.

Even if the influx of refugees slows down during winter, we must be ready for spring and the threat of bigger waves flowing to Europe. In fact, all the leaders I met in the region spoke about millions of potential new refugees. As exaggerated as this opinion may sound, it is our obligation to be prepared for all scenarios. We must ask ourselves if the decisions we have taken so far, and the ones we are going to take on Thursday, are sufficient to contain a new migratory wave. We need to face real challenges and answer serious questions concerning our methods of action.

Let us be clear about one thing. The exceptionally easy access to Europe is one of the main pull factors. In this context we should consider:
1. The future of the Dublin system, which is now in force - whether to keep it as it is or to look for alternatives;
2. The specific role of hotspots in light of different opinions as to their character and purpose;
3. The strengthening of our external borders, including a possible EU border guard.

As regards the organization of the Summit, the President of the European Parliament will join us at the beginning of our meeting at 4pm. After the exchange we will start our first session in order to discuss migration and to finalise conclusions. During this session, we will also take stock of the next steps with regard to the UK referendum on its membership of the EU, and confirm our commitment towards seeking viable solutions. President Hollande will raise the issue of the Paris COP 21 preparations with a view to making it a European and global success. Then, we will also review the work on the report on the future of the EMU.

We will continue over dinner with the international aspects of the migratory crisis which I have listed above. Finally, we will have a brief update on the most recent meeting of the Normandy Format. I look forward to seeing you all in Brussels

Thursday 27 August 2015
12.30 Working lunch with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko (photo opportunity - press statements ±14.00)

Updated Media advisory, visit of President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko