During the EP plenary session (15-18 January 2018) in Strasbourg, MEPs debate with Leo VARADKAR, Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland), on the future of Europe, the first in a series of debates between EU government leaders and MEPs reflecting on the future of the European Union.

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

future of the European Union (T)

EU - Ireland (T)

VARADKAR, Leo (IE)

The Future of Europe: extracts from the debate with Leo VARADKAR, Irish Prime Minister

Atmosphere shots of the arrival of Leo VARADKAR, Prime Minister of Ireland, greetings to MEPs and members of the EC (5 shots)

SOUNDBITE (English), Leo VARADKAR, Prime Minister of Ireland , Dear friends, it is hard to imagine the Good Friday Agreement being made without our shared membership of the European Union and the single market. In Ireland we are now having to contemplate our future without the foundation that underpinned it. That is why the Irish Government has been so determined to protect the Good Friday Agreement, in all its parts, and in all that flows from it. It is why we have insisted that there can be no return to a hard border on our island, no new barriers to the movement of people or to trade. And it is why we are so deeply grateful for the remarkable solidarity and support we have received from Member States. It is everything we hoped for and more. And it is proof positive of why small countries benefit so much from membership of the EU. Applause

SOUNDBITE (English), Leo VARADKAR, Prime Minister of Ireland, In terms of improving democracy within the EU, I support a Europe-wide list for the European Parliament. Let&rsquo;s get people in cafes in Naples and restaurants in Galway talking about the same election choices.  Let&rsquo;s make permanent the Spitzenkandidat system, and democratise choosing candidates for other leading positions within the EU.  Let&rsquo;s establish a common asylum policy and system, to replace the current system which just isn&rsquo;t working. Too few countries have shouldered the responsibility of providing refugees with a fresh start in Europe. We can all do more and we must. Let&rsquo;s put fire back into the engine of our social Europe by following through on the proclamation we issued in Gothenburg last year on jobs, employment rights, pensions among other things.

SOUNDBITE (English), Leo VARADKAR, Prime Minister of Ireland, My strong view is that national taxes that fund national budgets should be determined by national parliaments and governments. Equally strong is my view that corporations should pay their fair share of tax.  We cannot tolerate a situation where large companies can avoid paying any taxes anywhere. That&rsquo;s as true for American tech companies as it is for European car manufacturers, or for international aerospace and defence companies. Ireland has already taken steps to close loopholes in our tax laws.  And we will do more.  We strongly believe this should be done on an international basis through the OECD.  Europe should not give advantages to our competitors by acting unilaterally.

SOUNDBITE (English), Leo VARADKAR, Prime Minister of Ireland, and I believe Europe must show much greater leadership on Africa.  I support the idea of an EU &lsquo;Marshall Plan&rsquo; for that continent.  

SOUNDBITE (Gaelic), Leo VARADKAR, Prime Minister of Ireland, Agus muidne ag cur le rath&uacute;lacht na laethanta at&aacute; thart, creidim, le samhla&iacute;ocht agus le misneach go mbeimid &aacute;balta anam agus cro&iacute; a chur ar f&aacute;il don Eoraip, agus deiseanna a chruth&uacute; d&aacute;r saoranaigh go l&eacute;ir. (Tr:  As we contribute to the success of the past days, I believe, with imagination and courage that we can provide soul and heart for Europe, and create opportunities for all our citizens.)