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COMUNICADO DE IMPRENSA
Lisboa, 22 de junho de 2017
- European Council 22-23 June: Leaders discuss migration, security, defence and economy
Today and tomorrow, EU leaders will discuss a number of priorities that figure on the European agenda, including migration, security, defence, the economy and the digital single market. They will also – at 27 – discuss and decide on the procedure and the criteria for the relocation of the two EU agencies from London (the European Medicines Agency and the European Banking Authority). The June European Council will focus on making Europe a more secure, sustainable and prosperous place for its citizens. It will build on the Union's forward momentum, unity and shared sense of purpose as it makes progress on a number of priorities set out in the Bratislava, Malta and Rome Declarations. The meeting will be an opportunity for the leaders to reaffirm their commitment to a strong, open and global EU that stands up for a rules-based international system and fights for fairness at home and abroad. The European Commission's recent proposals on migration and defence will be the basis for leaders' discussion on migration, defence and internal security. The spectre of recent attacks will sharpen the focus for the discussions on internal security and the fight against terrorism. On migration, leaders will take stock of progress since March, focusing notably on the Central Mediterranean route and the ongoing talks on the reform of the Common European Asylum System. Aspects linked to the single market, the economy, external affairs and digital Europe will also be discussed. A press conference by President Juncker and President Tusk is scheduled for 18:30 CET today and tomorrow at 12:30 CET, President Juncker will hold a joint press conference with President Donald Tusk and Prime Minister of Malta, Joseph Muscat. Both events will be webstreamed live via EbS.
- Migration: President Juncker at the High Level Conference in the European Parliament
Yesterday, President Juncker addressed the participants of the High Level Conference on Migration in the European Parliament. In his opening speech, the President reminded: "Our migration policy is guided by two fundamental European principles: responsibility and solidarity. That is why I made it clear during the European election campaign, together with others, that we cannot abandon a country if the well-being of its people is at stake. Where a country sits on a map of the world cannot be the sole factor in determining how much responsibility a country should bear in the refugee issue." Recalling the European Union's role in the protection of its external borders, President Juncker said that "more than 1,600 European border guards are currently supporting the national guards". President Juncker also reiterated the importance of the principle of solidarity: "solidarity is not a one-way street […] every country must take its fair share of responsibility", adding that "if there are some who refuse, the Commission must also honour its own responsibilities." President Juncker also welcomed the newly-established cooperation with countries of origin and transit, notably in the form of the Partnership Framework with Africa. €200 million will be mobilised in 2017 for migration-related activities in North Africa: in Libya but also in Egypt and Tunisia, the President explained. The full speech is available here and a recording of the press conference by President Juncker, President Tajani and High Representative / Vice-President Mogherini is available on EbS.
- Agreement reached on better protection of consumers
Last evening, the European Parliament and Council reached a political agreement on the Commission's proposal to improve the EU-wide cooperation mechanism for consumer protection. These new rules will introduce a quick and more efficient cross-border cooperation mechanism between the national enforcers. They will have faster tools to react in a joint action when illegal practices are reported by consumers in at least two thirds of the EU countries. "Strengthened cross-border enforcement is crucial in the digital age where harmful practices can be replicated easily in many countries with just one click," said V?ra Jourová, EU Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality. "Enforcement authorities will gain modern tools to protect consumers online, such as the power to remove online shopping scams, as well as in any case of EU-wide infringement of consumer rights." For the first time in the case of widespread illegal commercial practices, authorities will be able to accept commitments from traders that they will provide remedies to the consumers affected. Further work on compensation will be carried out as part of the EU consumer legislation review. Another change is the creation of a new EU-wide market alert system to detect new threats more rapidly. It will include evidence sent by consumer and trade associations. This is a significant step towards a fairer and more efficient enforcement of consumer laws across the EU. Today's agreement is another concrete deliverable of the Commission's Digital Single Market strategy. This legislation is part of the Commission's efforts to update consumer rules. Today's agreement will now need to be formally endorsed by the European Parliament, Council and Commission. The Member States will then have up to 24 months to make sure their consumer authorities are ready to meet the new standards. Further details are available in the factsheet.
- EU announces €85 million as Uganda faces world's fastest growing refugee crisis
Uganda is now facing the world's fastest growing refugee crisis, due to a continuous and unprecedented influx of people fleeing conflict in neighbouring South Sudan among others. The country is now hosting over 1.27 million refugees and asylum seekers. "To help Uganda deal with this unprecedented situation and support the most vulnerable refugees, the European Commission has today announced €85 million in humanitarian aid and longer term development assistance. Many refugees have fled conflict in South Sudan, seeking sanctuary from violence, hatred and hunger. Uganda's example of helping vulnerable people cope with displacement is an example for the whole region and the world. However, no country can deal with such a high number of refugees on its own. The EU funding announced today will help our humanitarian partners working in Uganda bring some relief to those who have lost everything", said Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides. The announcement comes as Commissioner Stylianides is attending the Uganda Solidarity Summit on refugees taking place in Kampala on 22 and 23 June, on behalf of the European Commission. Read the full press release here.
Para mais informações sobre assuntos europeus:
http://ec.europa.eu/portugal
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Ciências aplicadas (669)