Maria João Rodrigues (S&D). – Mr President, the choice is very clear. Either Europe remains an old continent on the defensive or it sets a partnership for the future with the neighbouring countries to support their development, to better manage migration and also to support refugees.

The choice is so clear. Of course this means a big undertaking, a big undertaking based on investments, but let me underline that investment is also jobs. Many new jobs could be created for both young people in Europe and in the neighbouring countries. I believe that you should use this argument of jobs – new jobs which can come from this initiative – to convince Member States to put more resources into the initiative because we need more contribution from the Member States. Let me tell you that, so far, young people in Europe understand this very well. They share this vision, they have many initiatives in this direction, and it is my pleasure to announce that very soon young people’s organisations will come forward with concrete proposals in exactly this direction.