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.
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
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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.
💬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
💬Welcome our leaders, delegates, guests & the press to #Zagreb as we kick off our 2-day #EPPZagreb Congress. It's an important Congress as @EPP delegates will elect a new leadership & vote on the party's stance on important policies.
💬With a new President and a new Presidency, the @EPP enters a new era. EPP was once again victorious in #EP2019 European elections & managed to elect again an EPP Commission President, but we must now change too to improve & adapt to new realities
💬I couldn't be more proud to sit next to PM @AndrejPlenkovic today. I have followed his ascent from the beginning of his career in the @Europarl_EN & I knew he would leave a mark and make history for #Croatia. PM #Plenkovic' leadership & vision is praised at home & in Europe