Donald Tusk's last report from the European Council focused on three matters: Turkey’s unilateral military action in North East Syria, Brexit and the debate on enlargement. The European Parliament President David Sassoli attended the Council for the first time in his role as President of the EP.
Firstly, the European Council condemned Turkey’s unilateral military action in North East Syria. No-one is fooled by the so‑called ceasefire. [...]
When it comes to Brexit, the European Council endorsed the deal reached by our negotiator and Prime Minister Johnson's government. As you know, it is based on the deal that we agreed with the previous government. The changes concern the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, formerly known as the backstop. Prime Minister Johnson's acceptance to have customs checks at the points of entry into Northern Ireland will allow us to avoid border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland, and will ensure the integrity of the Single Market. The revised deal was possible and acceptable to the EU because: firstly, it had the support of Ireland; secondly, it had the support of the European Commission, ensuring that all our negotiating objectives were met; and thirdly, because it avoids a chaotic no-deal Brexit.
On the Council side, we have just finalised the necessary steps for the EU's approval, and the legal texts are now with you. The European Parliament has a role to play, and it is an important one. The situation is quite complex following events over the weekend in the UK, and the British request for an extension of the Article 50 process. I am consulting the leaders on how to react, and will decide in the coming days. It is obvious that the result of these consultations will very much depend on what the British parliament decides, or doesn’t decide. We should be ready for every scenario. But one thing must be clear: as I said to Prime Minister Johnson on Saturday, a no-deal Brexit will never be our decision.
Finally, the leaders held a difficult debate on enlargement. Following the clear recommendation by the Commission, an overwhelming majority of member states wanted to open accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania. Despite this, the required unanimity was not possible last week. In my opinion, this was a mistake, which I have said to the leaders (and I was a bit more direct then). Now I can only hope that the leaders draw the right conclusions, when they discuss the accession process before the Zagreb summit in May 2020.
Together with President-elect von der Leyen, the leaders also discussed the future of the European Union, in terms of its strategic agenda, the future EU budget and the incoming Commission’s priorities. We are determined that the EU leads the way in fighting the climate crisis. A socially just transition to a green economy is not only a necessity, but it is an opportunity to improve our environment, while creating jobs. [...]
Thank you as well for your responsible position on Brexit and the extension. Through this, you showed common sense and the sense of dignity. After what I have heard today in this chamber I have no doubt that we should treat the British request for extension in all seriousness.
Full remarks
European Parliament President David Sassoli’s speech to the European Council
Brexit
“We welcome the agreement reached with the government of the United Kingdom. The European Parliament will examine closely the terms and substance of the agreement to verify that it is consistent with the interests of the European Union and its citizens. Parliament will continue to act with the sense of responsibility that we have shown to date.”
Future of Europe
“The European Parliament is the basis of legitimacy for the European democratic system. Citizens issued a call for a new Europe, which is more attentive to their needs, greener, more resolute in safeguarding the rule of law, more protective of social rights, and more effective and transparent in its decision-making.” [...]
Hearings
“The hearings of the Commissioners-designate are still under way and the vote on the new Commission headed by President Von der Leyen is due to take place in November.”
“That vote has been delayed by roughly a month. The European Parliament cannot be blamed for this delay, as it has and will continue to carry out its duty conscientiously and in line with its prerogatives under the Treaties.” [...]
Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)
“The European Parliament’s position is ready and is based on an ambitious budget, equal to 1.3% of gross national income and on the assumption that the decision on income and expenses is part of a "single package".
“On the revenue side, we need to introduce a basket of new own resources which reflect the EU’s main political priorities and offer incentives to work towards achieving them.”
“On expenditure, it is crucial to boost the most successful programmes— for example in the fields of youth policy, research and innovation, environment and climate transition, infrastructure, SMEs, digitalisation and social rights — while maintaining in real terms the level of funding for traditional EU policies, in particular cohesion, agriculture, and fisheries.” [...]
Full speech
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