Europe needs to control its external borders and stop illegal migration

He called on the 28 member states to take further steps to find a European solution to the migration crisis. “Controlling our external borders is the only way to safeguard European citizens’ confidence in our resettlement programme and give help to those who really need it.”

Members of the European Parliament are discussing the outcome of the European Council of 28-29 June today in Strasbourg and the priorities of the Austrian Presidency of the European Council for the next six months.

“Austria is a strong European country, it has made a great contribution to Europe’s history and I am confident that your motto of building bridges will guide you throughout your presidency,” Manfred Weber told Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in the European Parliament’s plenary.

The EPP Group Chairman also called for a breakthrough in several major issues for Europe.

Fair taxation: “All companies, including the Internet giants, should be taxed where they make their profit.”

On the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the long-term budget of the European Union: “We want negotiations to be wrapped up before the end of the mandate.”

And on trade policy: the Council should give up on its unanimity rule on foreign affairs.

“With President Trump meeting President Putin in Finland in the coming days, the question now for us Europeans is whether we are now mere spectators standing by idly while others are making the running, or if we are standing up for a Europe that has a strong voice in the world.”