Tsipras at EUCO: ‘Europe’s future is not walls and xenophobia’
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The contradiction between the doctrine of increased political unity in the EU and unilateral actions of some countries on the issue of the refugees, was the main point of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ speech during the debate about Britain’s future in the EU in the European Council summit in Brussels, according to government sources.
Tsipras made the comparison between an “ever-closer Europe” on the north side of the continent and “unilateral actions” which generate shocks on the other side.
On Britain, he said that the country should be helped in its relations with Europe, but not by not circumventing the European Union’s acquis, according to the same sources. He also added that if each country presents whatever interests it and discussion is not held on the basis of values, Europe will sooner or later lead to a dead end.
Addressing on the so-called Visegrad countries (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia), the Greek prime minister noted that while they talk about fences, they must realize that what they are facing from Britain is also a “fence”, referring to the suspension of social benefits for European citizens which the country is proposing.
Finally, Tsipras said that comprehensive and collective solutions need to be found for Europe, adding that if this is not possible, it will be better to postpone the summit’s conclusions document until the EU finds solutions on which everyone agrees on.
Arriving at the summit, Tsipras told journalists that the future of Europe does not include building walls and stoking xenophobia.
“Europe is in a critical, very critical crossroads because we have to tackle three crises at the same time: The financial crisis which remains, the security crisis and the refugee crisis. So we must remain united and show solidarity – but united and with solidarity everywhere. Not only in the northwestern side of Europe, but also in the southeastern and in the Mediterranean,” he told journalists.
“The solution to the refugee crisis is not building fences and promoting racism in Europe. The future of Europe is not walls and xenophobia and European rules cannot only be for some and a la carte for others,” he added.
Before the summit meeting, Tsipras met with Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, who briefed him on the mini- summit of the Visegrad Four (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia) last Monday in Prague. According to a government sources, Sobotka told Tsipras his country will help Greece as it helps other countries. The Czech premier had invited Tsipras to attend the summit, but he had declined, citing excessive work load, the same sources said.
On his side, the Greek premier told Sobotka that Greece cannot implement any measures that are not in line with international law, such as pushbacks. He also asked that European policy on the refugee crisis is allowed more time to bear fruit on issues such as relocation, Turkey and NATO participation.
Tsipras also said that sending army and gendarmerie at the country’s borders would constitute a “non-friendly action”.