Presentation of the programme of activities of the Austrian Presidency (debate)
Maria João Rodrigues (S&D). – Madam President, I would like to say to the Chancellor that Austria has an ambitious motto for its Presidency, which is to protect Europe. But I must say that I am concerned by some signs of hesitation on the part of the Presidency.
Let me be clear: this is a moment where we should not go for mid—range solutions or small arrangements. The choice is clear for the European Union and for the Austrian Presidency. You have one choice, which is to follow those voices calling for national solutions and the closure of borders to protect people: that is one road. And then we have the other road, which is to push for real European solutions: bold, ambitious and turned to the future. This is the expectation we should have regarding the Austrian Presidency.
Let me be clear: what are the things on which you should be able to deliver, all through your Presidency, in order really to protect people?
First, a European social pillar of rights, which is important, inter alia, in terms of coping with the digital revolution, labour contracts and social protection for all citizens. Second, making sure that the Community budget brings back cohesion to the European Union. Third, reform of economic and monetary union, restoring upward convergence, not divergence.
Lastly, we need a European policy to cope with the refugee and migration situation in such a way that we are again proud to be European and proud of our human values. That means having a search and rescue system at European level, a reorganised European border and also a European asylum system. We know, of course, that we need to work with countries of origin. But, Mr Chancellor, these are real European solutions, and we want the Austrian Presidency to move in these directions.