The members of the European People’s Party (EPP) Political Assembly (PA) met today via video-conference to discuss political developments in member states, the ongoing coronavirus situation and sustainable, coordinated management of the pandemic until vaccines are widely available. As talks on a future EU-UK trade agreement near their conclusion, the Political Assembly offered its full support for the EU’s Chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in his efforts to resolve the outstanding issues of a level playing field, governance and fisheries. Participants stressed the need to protect the single market and the importance of realism from the UK government to reach a deal. The members of the PA adopted a resolution on Albania (Resolution tabled by DP Albania), stressing the importance of implementation and preparation of free and fair general elections of 25 April as vital for further progress in the EU integration process and supporting the Democratic Party of Albania in its efforts to address legitimate concerns and European aspirations of the people of Albania. The EPP PA also discussed the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, reiterating its full support for the provisions of EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement regarding the principles of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution. EPP strongly condemn Turkey’s involvement and its role in the escalation of the conflict and destabilization of the situation in the entire Caucasus region and beyond. It is necessary to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation of war circumstances and war crimes also including the PACE toolkit and mechanisms. The European Commission should take into consideration the results of the international investigation of the Nagorno-Karabakh war during its preparation of the new strategic partnership agreement with Azerbaijan. The parties involved should accelerate the process of the exchange of war prisoners, captives, and the bodies of the dead and urges European Commission to use diplomatic channels to facilitate this process. The PA also welcomed the European Council´s adoption of a global human rights sanctions regime and the declaration that the EU does not recognise Venezuela´s elections as credible, inclusive or transparent. Following the passing of Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, the delegates paid tribute to the former French President. The delegates of the Political Assembly adopted the EPP Calendar for 2021. The location for the EPP Congress 2021 was announced as the Netherlands. Today the EPP Presidency also adopted the following position papers:

• Position paper on the future of EU transport: achieving sustainable, smart and resilient mobility.
• A window of opportunity: the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.