We need responsible and accountable politicians who don't hide behind national concerns

"We have to clarify the myths of the EU. Europe is a gain in terms of sovereignty for its citizens", said Manfred Weber MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group, during the European Parliament debate on the conclusions of the last European Council. "The decisions in Europe are taken by a majority or unanimity of the Council and by the European Parliament. Therefore there is no lack of democracy. Sometimes decisions need time, but we can also deliver rapidly. Let's take the swift adoption of the legislation on the European Border and Coast Guard as an example."

"We need to respect the Brexit decision of the British people. The framework for the forthcoming negotiations is clear. The internal market is fully connected with the basic freedoms of the EU such as the freedom of movement. The UK now faces a lack of leadership. Chaos has been intensified because the ‘pillars’ of Brexit - Farage and Johnson - have cowardly abandoned ship. Credibility is undermined through such irresponsible behaviour. There is an obvious problem in London and not in the EU, in Paris, Rome or Berlin."

"We need Europe and we don’t have to play a blame game or point the finger at others. We need responsibility and accountability. We need politicians who will bear responsibility and not hide behind national concerns. We don’t have to be afraid of populists. We need to work together to find solutions to today’s problems. But we also now need a period of reflection to think about how the future of Europe should look, not discussions about Treaty changes", concluded Manfred Weber.