Roberta METSOLA, EP Presiden, gives her opening statement on the agremment of the Council of the EU on the reform of the Pact on Migration. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

statement

Strasbourg

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

president's agenda

new pact on asylum and migration (T)

Resumption of session and order of business: Introductory remark by Roberta METSOLA, EP President on Asylum and Migration Pact

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Thi week, the Council also finally agreed on a general approach on important migration and asylum files. This is a welcome step forward if by no means the end. I think this is a breakthrough that we welcome and we are ready to begin negotiations immediately to reach a deal before the end of this mandate.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, We also expect a strong signal from Council on the crisis and force majeure regulations. I am convinced that we can find a way forward and that people around Europe expect a way forward that is fair and humane with those who are in need of protection, firm with those who are not eligible and strong with those traffickers exploiting the most vulnerable.