Slovenian President Danilo Tuerk told the European Parliament on Wednesday that the EU must take on the role of a global leader. Among the main challenges faced by the bloc, he pointed to climate change, human rights, migration and EU enlargement.
"The European Union will remain a success story only if it stays dynamic and proves itself as an increasingly significant political player. In order to achieve this, it must move forward and at present this means the EU must take on the role of a global leader," Tuerk pointed out.
He warned of the many challenges the EU currently faces, especially enlargement. "It is clear, that the candidates will have to meet the set standards, but we should not let political problems or cultural prejudice prevent their accession," said Tuerk. He also endorsed Turkey's bid to join the EU.
In his opinion, the European perspective for the Western Balkan should be set down more clearly. The possibility of accession must also be made available to Ukraine and Moldova, he said.
Discussing climate change, Tuerk said that the international community faced a difficult dilemma: to continue the growth and face disaster or make some changes. He pleaded for the latter. "I hope that we will choose the path that leads to changes this year," Tuerk said.
The EU must take the lead also in the area of human rights, he said, adding that the global situation was not very bright. Human rights are being systematically violated in many parts of the world.
The EU should propose economic models for sustainable growth through humanitarian and diplomatic efforts as well as impose sanctions on those who do not comply with the rulings of the International Criminal Court, he argued.
In the area of migration, Tuerk called for a successful population policy, which would have to include migration management as well. "Europe needs new people who are competent and prepared to contribute to prosperity," he said.
European Parliament President Hans Gert Poetering praised Slovenia as the first newcomer to lead the bloc. The EU presidency is a great honour for Slovenia, but also a great responsibility, especially to its neighbours at Western Balkan, said Poetering. Slovenia's success can serve as a role-model to other countries in the region, he added.
At a press conference with Poetering, Tuerk could not avoid the question whether he would attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. He replied that he would not attend it due to his tight schedule and added that fewer politicians attending the ceremony will not harm the great sporting event, which he highly esteems.
Asked about EU relations with Serbia before parliamentary elections on 11 May, Tuerk said the EU had two responsibilities. First, it must let Serbia know it is welcome to join the bloc and second, it must respect the will of the people. "I definitely wish for Serbs to look forward, not back," he pointed out.
Tuerk's first official visit to the European Parliament since being elected in December also included a meeting with Slovenian MPs and a visit to the Council of Europe (CoE), where he met the CoE's Secretary General Terry Davis.
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