Live replay of Antonio TAJANI, EP President, speaks to the press on the European Council 18-19 October 2018, in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Brussels

TAJANI, Antonio (EPP, IT)

press conference

European Council meeting 17-18 October 2018 (T)

Press conference by Antonio TAJANI, EP President, on the European Council 18-19 October 2018: Opening remarks (10:38 - 10:44)

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/19865750/I161779Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, During my speech I addressed the question of migration, the Dublin reform, and the multiannual financial framework. When It comes to migration, I reiterated the request from the European Parliament for a fund for Africa that allows Europe to address the question of migration effectively.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, The investment and cooperation with some African countries has reduced the flow of migration to Europe substantially and we are seeking a further three billion for the trust fund. So we can have at least 40 billion for a Marshall Plan for Africa and I also made an appeal to Council. I had meetings in Libya recently and Libyan representatives here in Brussels as well and I want Europe to speak with one voice.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, A piecemeal approach will not promote stability in Libya. Libyan stability is crucial in the fight against terrorism, the fight against migration and is essential when it comes to creating a more balanced situation in northern and sub-Saharan Africa. So Libya is key to resolving the problem.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, When it comes to the Dublin reform, I asked for this to be done speedily. I asked for the boat to be taken on a qualified majority basis and I also said that we should try to compromise with the Visegrad countries.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, The Bulgarian presidency offered to mediate and I asked the Council to pursue this. So those countries that dont accept relocation could then make a contribution in a different form, perhaps contributing to the African Investment Facility.So if you dont accept relocation you will pay more to those funds on the MFF.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, So that we can claim a clear message, a clear signal to Europe's citizens about what we intend to do over the next few years. In our view our citizens have certain requirements and we feel that one point three percent is necessary to meet those requirements. One point two is not enough.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, I think that it's only by having one point three percent, we'll be able to meet those requirements, and the resources proposal is essential to the European Parliament. So those are proposals on that matter.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Prior to the summit, I met Toaiseach I confirmed to him the parliament's commitment to the backstop as far as we're concerned this is a key element without an agreement on that. The European Parliaments will not be able to vote in favor of the agreement.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, I ll maybe be visit Ireland to explain Parliament's position which is one full support for the Republic of Ireland. I repeated our position on the border. We want a flexible border. We want to preserve the Good Friday Agreement but we also need to protect our health, our agrifood industry and our agricultural sector.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, So we have to find a way of addressing the question of the border. We have a Plant Health Unit operating at the moment. Those plant health provisions at the moment and hopefully they can be taken up in the new relations. But we have to have an agreement on the backstop. Then when it comes to the transitional period references be made to a third year. We will be in favour of that our initial proposal also.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Our position is clear we will be approving a draft budget with a number of figures. The aim being to speed things up. We would like the general framework to be adopted before the European elections.