The EU and non-EU leaders of the European People’s Party (EPP) met ahead of the European Council in Brussels today. Reaching a comprehensive agreement with Turkey in order to provide a sustainable solution to the migration crisis was the main topic on the agenda. “The cooperation with Turkey is of essential importance to limit the influx of migrants to the European Union. The EPP leaders have reached a common position during the party Summit and will present a united front at the European Council later on today. The interests of all 28 EU Member States, in particular Cyprus, must be respected and protected. The opening of new migration routes should also be prevented. I am confident that a legally viable and politically sustainable agreement will be possible. EPP heads of state and government have made clear that no concessions on human rights, freedom of expression, as well as the conditions to achieve visa liberalization will be made in this process,’’ EPP President Joseph Daul said The EPP leaders also welcomed the Eastern Partnership and the Balkans leaders and discussed the situation in both regions. “We must work closely with the EU’s neighbouring countries: it is in our common interest to build safe, stable and prosperous democracies. Fighting corruption, strengthening the rule of law and reforming the judiciary system must remain a matter of great importance on our joint agenda,’’ added Joseph Daul “Our political family will also continue to demand the immediate release of Nadiya Savchenko, who was unlawfully imprisoned by the Russian authorities,” concluded EPP President.  


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For more information contact:

 

Alexandra Henman

Deputy Spokesperson

+32 471 90 76 84

alh@epp.eu

 

Angelos Athanasopoulos

National and Regional Press Director

+32 471 90 76 35

aa@epp.eu