Opening remarks by Martin SCHULZ, EP President, on the current migration crisis, during the EP plenary session in Strasbourg.

statement

Strasbourg

plenary session

migration and refugees in Europe (T)

SCHULZ, Martin (S&D, DE)

Plenary session of the EP in Strasbourg: Opening remarks by Martin SCHULZ, EP President, on current migration crisis

SOUNDBITE (German), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, "Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, We are facing a Historic test these days, hundreds of thousands of people seek refuge among us. Families with children come in boats, people camp in stations, they cross barbed wire, many lose their lives, men, women, children suffocated in trucks, drawn in the Mediterranean".

SOUNDBITE (German), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, "Ladies and Gentlemen, In this moment when more and more people are coming to Europe, and more and more lose their lives, we must make clear that this challenge will not be overcome by walls or threats, I would like to remind you that, some days ago the so-called Islamic State destroyed World Heritage in Palmyra, but we almost have forgotten that the director of that museum in Palmiyra was decapitated publicly some weeks ago. These are the criminals people coming to us are fleing from. And they will not be afraid of seas or walls".

SOUNDBITE (German), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, "We will not respond to this challenge with unilateral measures nor with nationalist selfishness, we need a common asylum and refugee policy. Commission President Juncker will present a series of measures here, including a proposal for a permanent mechanism with refugee quotas. And then we have to ask ourselves, in all institutions of the Union, whether we want a union of "all against all" or a Union of solidarity."

SOUNDBITE (German), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, "The task we are facing is a big one. We probably are facing the biggest challenge of our generation of politicians. In all debates about the numbers, the quotas, Dublin III or Schengen I would like to remind you that we are speaking about human beings and bitter histories. And those coming to us, the come because they believe in us, they believe in our values. But the dramatic events have also worried the people of EU member states. And I would like to tell those who are criticising us that not all that are asking critical questions are against refugees. We need to take seriously into account the anxieties of our people because the problems are evident".

SOUNDBITE (German), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, "I want to thanks all the citizens that have supported refugees at stations or vacation centres with water and food, with clothes and toys for their children and those who have joined different organisations as volontaries. This humanity should guide us so the image of Aydan Kurdi that has burned us all never repeats".