EPP Group Highlights (8-12 September)

State of the Union: An Autumn of Truth

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

On Wednesday morning, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will address the European Parliament in her State of the Union speech. On this occasion, EPP Group Chairman Manfred Weber MEP will present our political priorities for the months ahead. “We are entering an autumn of truth. The trade deal with Donald Trump is a serious challenge for our industry. And the red-carpet welcome for Vladimir Putin in Alaska has laid bare Europe’s foreign policy weakness,” Weber says. He stresses that our goal is a stronger Europe: “I want us to strengthen our economy. And I want Europe to stand up for its security. For that, Europe must grow up.” Weber also underlines the importance of stopping illegal migration and moving forward with the return regulation. “These are our priorities for the coming months. Now is the time to act. For a strong economy. For our security. For a stronger Europe.”

Press officers:

Thomas Sebastian KIESCHNICK

Deputy spokesperson to the Chairman

Agata BYCZEWSKA

Press Officer for Foreign Affairs, Development and for Poland

Tuesday 8.30: EPP Group chair Weber press conference

Group Of Cameras At An Outdoor Press Conference

EPP Group Chairman Manfred Weber MEP will hold press conference on the topics of Parliament’s plenary on Tuesday, 8:30 in Strasbourg, European Parliament, Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room (WEISS N -1/201) and via interactio.

Press officers:

Daniel KÖSTER

Head of European Press Unit

Thomas Sebastian KIESCHNICK

Deputy spokesperson to the Chairman

Trade through calm, rule-based talks

The European Parliament will debate EU trade relations on Wednesday afternoon. The EPP Group calls for calm, rules-based engagement with the US as the best path forward. Jörgen Warborn MEP, EPP Group spokesman on International Trade, stresses that “no one benefits from high tariffs.” He questions whether the deal respects the rules-based trade order and stresses the need for WTO-compatible solutions. While others push for escalation, Warborn insists that de-escalation is the better path to minimise harm and deliver the best outcome for European citizens. He also calls for progress on the EU’s broader trade agenda. “Opening markets and deepening partnerships, like with Mercosur, strengthens Europe’s competitiveness and shields us from protectionist shocks.”

Press officers:

Kaja SORG

Press Officer for Trade, Foreign Affairs and for Estonia

Agata BYCZEWSKA

Press Officer for Foreign Affairs, Development and for Poland

Europe, not Russia should guarantee Ukraine’ s security

Ukrainian Flag And Independence Monument On Maidan

The EPP Group wants the EU and the European Parliament to reaffirm their steadfast commitment to providing security guarantees and taking all necessary steps to strengthen Ukraine's armed forces and its defence industry. We insist on numerical and operational sovereignty for the Ukrainian armed forces. "Russia is not pursuing peace nor a ceasefire. If cessation of arms deliveries to the attacked country and an end to mobilisation are demanded, we should understand that exactly the opposite is needed to give Ukrainians better security," insists Michael Gahler MEP, the EPP Group's Spokesman on Foreign Affairs ahead of the joint debate on Tuesday on the EU's action to ensure security guarantees and just peace for Ukraine as well as the debate on Gahler's report on Ukraine's progress on EU accession. Members will call to open the next steps in accession talks, commemorate the recently assassinated Andreyi Parubyi and his commitment to Ukraine’s European vocation, but also encourage and demand Ukraine to pursue a range of reforms in the justice system and safeguard anticorruption institutions. “One of the best security guarantees for Ukraine will be its place among the member states of the EU," underlines Michael Gahler.

Press officers:

Agata BYCZEWSKA

Press Officer for Foreign Affairs, Development and for Poland

Israel’s security, Gaza’s protection, two-state solution

Smoke plumes billow after an explosion during Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip

The EPP Group reaffirms Israel’s right to self-defence under international law and calls for the immediate release of all hostages. Gaza’s civilians must not suffer for Hamas’ crimes, and food, water, and medicine must reach those in need. Michael Gahler, EPP Group spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, says: "We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of the Hamas-held hostages, and unhindered flow of food supplies and humanitarian aid for the people in Gaza. There must be no enforced evacuation of civilian Gaza City inhabitants." Antonio López-Istúriz, the EPP Group’s spokesperson on Israel, underlines: “Our priority remains the safety, integrity, and dignity of civilians. The hostages violently taken in captivity, dozens believed to have been killed by Hamas terrorists, must be released immediately. The Palestinian population in Gaza must be protected and have access to enough food supplies, clean water, medicines, and safe housing. This conflict can and should end as soon as possible so we can return to a two-state path and finally achieve lasting peace and prosperity for all in the region.”

Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ WHITE — MEPs Involved:

Press officers:

Theodoros GEORGITSOPOULOS

Press Officer for Foreign Affairs and for Greece

Agata BYCZEWSKA

Press Officer for Foreign Affairs, Development and for Poland

Accelerate EU accession talks with Moldova

For the EPP Group, Moldova is vital to Europe’s security - and its European path must be protected. Ahead of the parliamentary elections on 28 September, President Maia Sandu will address the European Parliament on Tuesday, as MEPs prepare a resolution calling for stronger defences against Russian threats and interference. “The future of Europe is being decided today - in Brussels, on the front lines in Ukraine, and in Chișinău,” said Andrzej Halicki MEP, rapporteur and EPP Vice-Chair on Foreign Affairs. “Russian propaganda, vote buying, and mafia-style methods are designed to cripple Moldova’s democracy. Moldovans have the right to choose their own path.” “When democracy is under attack, Moldova must choose Europe,” added Siegfried Mureșan MEP, Chair of the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee. “Russia seeks to destabilise Moldova because a European Moldova means a stronger Europe. The time has come to accelerate accession talks.”

Press officers:

Agata BYCZEWSKA

Press Officer for Foreign Affairs, Development and for Poland

Give farmers the fair future they deserve

Female farmer feeding cows on field during sunset

On Wednesday, the plenary will adopt its position on the future of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). For the EPP Group, the CAP must remain well-funded and firmly focused on farmers. “As the farmers’ party, we are fighting for the fair future Europe’s agricultural sector deserves. That means a truly common CAP that strengthens the food supply chain, protects direct aid to farmers, supports vibrant rural communities, and empowers farmers through innovation, generational renewal, and fair market conditions. We cannot support any cuts, nor any attempts to nationalise the CAP or merge its funding with other EU programmes,” says Carmen Crespo Díaz MEP, the Parliament’s lead negotiator on the future of agriculture.

Press officers:

Sarah Louise MORGAN

former staff member

Hanna VAUCHELLE

Policy Adviser on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO)

Who we are

How we work

What we stand for

What we do

Foreign affairs

Budget, agriculture & regional funding

Legal & home affairs

Economy, jobs & the environment

The Week ahead

State of the Union: An Autumn of Truth

Tuesday 8.30: EPP Group chair Weber press conference

Trade through calm, rule-based talks

Europe, not Russia should guarantee Ukraine’ s security

Israel’s security, Gaza’s protection, two-state solution

Accelerate EU accession talks with Moldova

Give farmers the fair future they deserve