Ska KELLER (Greens/EFA, DE), lead candidate for the Greens, makes a statement following the European Council which takes place in Brussels on 20th and 21the June 2019.

Brussels

statement

KELLER, Ska (Greens/EFA, DE)

Greens/EFA

2019 European elections (T)

European Council meeting 20-21 June 2019 (T)

European Council, 20-21/06/2019: statement by Ska KELLER (Greens/EFA, DE), lead candidate for the Greens

SOUNDBITE (English), Ska KELLER, Greens lead candidate, <a></a>From my point of view the lead candidacy system is really important because it has been as big step forward in terms of making the European Union even more democratic, making the processes more transparent. And from my point of view nothing is decided yet, I mean no-one really expected the council to really decide anything and anyway they cannot without the Parliament. Sure, the council will propose, but the person will have to find a majority in the European Parliament. There, we still have talks and discussions which are ongoing, so the Council can&rsquo;t do anything without us.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ska KELLER, Greens lead candidate, We would have a lot of suggestions for anyone who would want to become a Commission President because a lot needs to be done and is really urgent in the fundamental change in the European policies. Let&rsquo;s just look at the climate protection where the heads of state and government were doing a real failure on not agreeing for an ambitious climate target. But it&rsquo;s not just the ambitious targets that we are missing because we also need concrete actions right now and good measures right now. So, we expect anyone who wants to have Green support to really deliver an ambitious climate programme. Also on the Social Europe we want to see advances. We need to save and support for example refugees so that the Mediterranean doesn&rsquo;t become a graveyard. There is so much to do and we expect advances from anyone who wants to become the Commission&rsquo;s President.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ska KELLER, Greens lead candidate, Indeed it is a big problem that countries are blocking the 2050 target. It&rsquo;s really a shame for the Council that this decision did not happen and of course it&rsquo;s a joint effort and it&rsquo;s not a little effort but we all have to stand together because the climate can&rsquo;t wait.