Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2009-09-16-Speech-3-213"
| Predicate | Value (sorted: default) |
|---|---|
| rdf:type | |
| dcterms:Date | |
| dcterms:Is Part Of | |
| dcterms:Language | |
| lpv:document identification number |
"en.20090916.17.3-213"2
|
| lpv:hasSubsequent | |
| lpv:speaker | |
| lpv:spokenAs | |
| lpv:translated text |
"−
A selective approach to visa lifting will not strengthen the European prospects of any Western Balkan country whose communities are divided, because selectivity brings with it new divisions. I welcome every move that combats selectivity and firmly believe that lifting visa requirements for all those countries would certainly help improve the image of the European Union in the eyes of the people in these countries who need an opening on the world after years of conflict.
I would also like to point out that there are thousands of young people living in these countries who have never been able to travel abroad. Their only source of knowledge about Europe and the world is television. We have an obligation to strengthen their European prospects as well. I am aware of the security considerations, but those leaving their countries with ill intentions will find a way to cross into the EU anyway. However, we are holding back hundreds of thousands of those who have good intentions.
I would, therefore, urge the Council and the Commission to review their positions as soon as possible, to follow up the progress in these countries, and to lift visa requirements for the countries which were not included in the first group. Thank you very much.
Naturally, I call on the governments of these Western Balkan countries to fulfil their obligations as soon as possible, in the interests of their citizens and their EU accession prospects."@en1
|
| lpv:videoURI |
Named graphs describing this resource:
The resource appears as object in 2 triples