This infoclip illustrates David SASSOLI, EP President, arrival at the Special European Council (01/10/2020) and extracts of his press conference at the European Parliament in Brussels.

Brussels

press conference

meeting of the European Council

SASSOLI, David Maria (S&D, IT, S&D, IT)

special meeting of the European Council 24-25 September 2020 (T)

Special European Council (01/10/2020): arrival of David SASSOLI, EP President, roundtable and extracts from the press conference

Arrival at the EU Council of David SASSOLI, EP President

Cutaways of the EU Council roundtable (4 shots)

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, It's difficult to get a solution to the problem, the parliament's position is very clear and we are willing to try to find an agreement. However, in order to get an agreement, everyone has to play their part. We have been regretful about certain rumours concerning Parliament's responsibility for a delay. And we have firmly pointed out to heads of state or government that the European Parliament isn't blocking anything and indeed has been the quickest institution in approving all the instruments from April until today, which have been set out by the European Union for the citizens and the mamber states.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, On the four main points of the negotiations, the rule of law issue. We're interested in the German proposal. We would like it to be improved. We would like a legislative process which is adequate and up to the standards over Europe, which wishes to defend its values. The second issue was that of own resources so that the citizen isn't overburdened with further taxation and that therefore there should be a self-financing of the Union's activities.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President,We need to have an effort here in particular as regards some programmes which have been somehow penalised and which are in the interest of the citizens. And when we mention this, we think of Erasmus. How could such an important programme which creates European citizenship be penalised? That's our point of view. At any rate, it's not sufficient. It is not adequate to help relaunch our economies.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, On the question of governance, I think there's a certain willingness to have democratic oversight which will be adequate for the situations.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, However, all this depends on the political will and the German presidency has to try to find that balance in the Council. I think we based ourselves on a vision of how Europe will be and how Europe will react to the financial crisis in the 27 countries. We've got a joint vision. But we also have to be concrete and pragmatic.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, We thought that the agreement would be respected, agreements are always respected. We did not imagine that the the relationship between us and the UK would go in this direction. We just did not imagine this situation occurring. But we will be at the negotiating table until the very end. And we hope that people will realise that this is a historic moment and consequences if, by the end of the year, there is no possibility of a deal of an agreement. But to have an agreement, we have to also respect previous agreements. Otherwise, we can't make any progress.