EPP reaffirmed its support for a credible #WesternBalkans enlargement & 🇪🇺accession perspective at the EPP EU-Western Balkans Zagreb Leaders Meeting, chaired by President @donaldtuskEPP. Solidarity & good neighbourly relations are key to addressing both the pandemic & infodemic.
.@EU2020HR sent a strong signal of support to the #WesternBalkans countries. It is thanks to the efforts and determination of #Croatia’s Prime Minister @AndrejPlenkovic that the #EU remains true to its word and is committed to future of the region.
We are united in the fight against #Covid19 and we stand in solidarity with the #WesternBalkans, our closest partners, geographically, historically, culturally and economically. When we face challenges together, we overcome them together.
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We need to discuss hypocrisy: The holier-than-thou S&D Group is at the epicenter of #Qatargate. It’s time they are held accountable. Their lecturing on rule of law has now been proven to be hypocritical. 1/
We need to discuss ownership: There has been a consistent effort to turn #Qatargate into an institutional issue alone. But this scandal is not an orphan. It did not appear out of nowhere. It did not happen by itself. It has a name. It has an address. And that’s the S&D Group. 2/
We need to discuss substance: Let’s not mince words. This S&D scandal goes beyond 'meet and greets'. It affected real decisions & legislation. To attack the @EPPGroup on their stance re urgency measures following these events shows how deep the left's disdain for democracy is. 3/
EPP welcomes China’s participation in global efforts to develop a #COVID19 vaccine.
We also recognise China’s attempts to control global narrative on COVID-19, deflect criticism of its own handling of the crisis & erode citizens’ trust in national & EU institutions
🇪🇺🌍🇨🇳
EPP calls for
👉an independent investigation into human rights violations against Uyghurs in Xinjiang
👉release of imprisoned human rights defenders, dissidents & others, incl. 🇸🇪citizen Gui Minhai
👉free access to Tibet
👉the finalisation of EU’s Global Sanctions Regime
The developments in Russia, #Belarus, the worrying situation in the #EasternMediterranean & geopolitical implications of #COVID19 topped EPP Foreign Affairs ministers meeting in the framework of #Gymnich meetings.
EPP Foreign Affairs minister discussed the recent developments in Russia including the poisoning of Alexei @navalny and expressing their deep concern and supporting for the need for a swift, transparent and independent investigation.
The EPP FA ministers reiterated their strong support to the Belarusian people who fight for their legitimate rights, freedom & democracy, calling on Belarusian authorities to stop violence & to immediately release leaders of the Coordination Council & all political prisoners.
EPP President @donaldtuskEPP chaired a meeting of the party presidency to prepare for next week's summit & #EaP Leaders' Meeting. They also discussed recent international developments & continued cooperation as #COVID19 lockdown measures are eased across the #EU.
EU Health Sovereignty is needed for #COVID19 challenges & future threats:
EPP is concerned by the Chinese Communist Party's recent propaganda & disinformation efforts; EPP condemns the CCP’s suppression of freedoms in Hong Kong and reiterates support for ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle for Hong Kong citizens.
💬Dear friends, it is with deep emotion that I address you at #EPPZagreb today, in my final speech as EPP President. The end of a mandate is always an opportunity to reflect, to take stock of your successes & failures.
💬A priority as EPP President has been building a closer cooperation with #WesternBalkans countries. We honour the late President Martens by continuing to defend the European path of the #WesternBalkans, said @JosephDaul
💬My proudest achievement has been ensuring the #EPP remains united. We are a family of many different perspectives but one that remains true to our founders Christian Democratic values, European commitment & faith in the social market economy, said @JosephDaul at #EPPZagreb