MEPs deplore lack of concrete deals at the EU summit - Main contents

Outcome of the EU summit©EU 2018 - EP

The results of the last EU summit are unsatisfactory for most MEPs, who regret the lack of progress on asylum reform and on deepening the economic and monetary union.

In a plenary debate with European Council President, Donald Tusk and Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, a majority of speakers criticised the heads of state or government for not being able to reach substantial agreements on how to deal with migration and asylum flows. They voiced concern that little will change on the ground and that people will continue dying in the Mediterranean.

Opening the discussion, President Tajani reiterated that the Parliament has been waiting for a long time to start negotiations on the reform of the Dublin Regulation and called on the Council to adopt its position with qualified majority. Tajani stressed that the EP proposal is an “excellent starting point”, as it is balanced and broadly supported in the Chamber.

There is also frustration among MEPs given that, almost ten years after the financial crisis, EU leaders have not been able to put in place the necessary safeguards to avoid further economic meltdown.

To view video replays of statements, click on name

Donald TUSK, for the Council

Jean-Claude JUNCKER, for the Commission

Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE)

Udo BULLMANN (S&D, DE)

Raffaele FITTO (ECR, IT)

Guy VERHOFSTADT (ALDE, BE)

Ska KELLER (Greens/EFA, DE)

Curzio MALTESE (GUE/NGL, IT)

Nigel FARAGE (EFDD, UK)

Nicolas BAY (ENF, FR)

You can catch up with the debate here