MEPs debate the outcome of the 23-24 June EU summit with European Council President Charles Michel and Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič. MEPs discuss the decision of Heads of state to grant EU candidate status to Ukraine and to the Republic of Moldova, the enlargement to Western Balkans, the prices of energy, the creation of a European political community and the outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe.

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 23-24 June 2022: extracts from the debate

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Title: Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 23-24 June 2022: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (English), Charles MICHEL, President of the European Council We decided to recognise the European perspective of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. The future of this country and the people lies within the EU. And we also decided to grant candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova. And this sends a strong message to the people and to our European Union citizens.

SOUNDBITE (English), Charles MICHEL, President of the European Council The European Union needs Western Balkans as much as Western Balkans need us. Opening accession talks in North Macedonia and Albania is a top priority. And the second day of the European Council, the Bulgarian Parliament voted to overturn its veto on North Macedonia, beginning EU membership talks.

SOUNDBITE (English), Charles MICHEL, President of the European Council Progress on bilateral and regional disputes is also urgent. Normalising relations between Kosovo and Serbia through the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue is of key importance. And we have also had the occasion to reaffirm that we are ready to grant candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles MICHEL, President of the European Council This European Council was also an opportunity to look at the idea of setting up a European political community. Who would take part in this kind of political community? All those who on the European continent share the same interests and who would like to coordinate and cooperate in areas they would be invited. It doesn't necessarily mean that these are countries that would join the EU.

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles MICHEL, President of the European Council It's about setting up a political platform that will be flexible and that would perhaps deal with issues such as energy security, infrastructure and issues such as health, a pandemic, for example. If this kind of platform had existed during the COVID 19 pandemic, I'm convinced that it would have been easier to draw in other partners and to act here in the European continent.

SOUNDBITE (English), Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Vice-President of the EC in charge of Interinstitutional relations and Foresight, The European Council's endorsement of candidate status acknowledges the immense progress that Kiev has achieved since the Maidan protests of 2014. But now the hard work really begins with the need for Ukraine to consolidate the reforms it has achieved and move forward with determination.

SOUNDBITE (English), Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Vice-President of the EC in charge of Interinstitutional relations and Foresight, On the Conference on the Future of Europe, an issue that I know is an important to this Parliament, as it is important to the Commission and to me personally. It remains crucial that the ideas and the initiatives that emerged from the process and which we received from our citizens are properly acted upon.

SOUNDBITE (English), Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO), - The Council made the right decisions on Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, but the outcome on Western Balkans was disappointing. I was encouraged, President Michel, by your remarks today, and I believe we all have to work together so that we make sure that the Czech presidency succeeds, where the French presidency has not managed to succeed in offering a clear perspective to the Western Balkan countries.

SOUNDBITE (English), Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO), - We held the conference on the future of Europe, but President Michel, the outcome of the European Council is seeing that we take note of this and we are happy that there was an exchange with citizens. Is too is too little. We have to take the ideas of the citizens on board. We have to solve their problems and we have to do this together.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Simona BONAFÈ (S&D, IT), - The conclusions at the end of the Council called upon the Commission to pursue its efforts to ensure energy supply accessible prices. But there was a postponement when it came to deciding on a gas price ceiling. That is the only way to stop the inflation that is affecting everyday prices.

SOUNDBITE (Dutch), Hilde VAUTMANS (Renew, BE), - But what surprises me is that no mention was really made as to how the union is going to be functioning with 30 or 35 members. The leaders took note of the conclusions on the Conference of the Future of Europe. We all know that quite a few things need to change in Europe. The most recent summit we saw how Orban took advantage of the unanimity procedure. We knew, we know that this is a gift of God for the autocrats.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ernest URTASUN (Greens/ALE, ES), - President Michel, Europe may be ready to send a political signal for new members, and this is very much welcome. But the Council does not seem ready to address the issue of internal reform to make such commitments a real success.

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 23-24 June 2022: extracts from the debate

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