ECR Group backs Cyprus’ Council Presidency on migration and Russia, urges realism on competitiveness

The ECR Group supports the Cypriot Council Presidency’s ambitions on migration, a tough line on Russia, and calls for a realistic approach to competitiveness. The Group stands ready to support a stronger Europe that protects its borders and strengthens its industrial base.

During the plenary debate in Strasbourg debate, ECR Co-Chairman Patryk Jaki underlined the importance of effective migration policy, strategic realism in Europe’s external posture, and the need to align competitiveness, industrial policy and the cost of living with realistic policy choices, warning against contradictions in the current approach to the Green Deal.

Jaki said:

“I am especially pleased by the declarations concerning migration. Indeed, we very much need a returns directive.

“I welcome the announcement of a tough line towards Russia. I welcome the announcement of work on the enlargement of the European Union. I am also pleased by the emphasis on and understanding of the issue of sovereignty.”

He welcomed the Presidency’s declared focus on industry, competitiveness and reducing excessive regulation, emphasising that these are areas in which the ECR Group is ready to contribute constructively.

“It is also important that we are not naive. It is impossible to reconcile competitiveness, building a stronger industry and improving the cost of living for Europeans with the requirements of the Green Deal, as this would render the European Union weak and incapable of addressing the most important issues”, Jaki said.

He further emphasised the importance of avoiding future budgetary decisions that would reduce spending on agriculture or cohesion policy.

“It is also important that you remember the new budget and do not push us into reducing spending on agriculture or cohesion policy,” he said.

Jaki concluded by reaffirming the ECR Group’s solidarity with Cyprus, saying:

“Finally, I would like to say that we will support you in your fight. Cyprus is very important to us. It is a country with a wonderful history. We are here to help you, and we are keeping our fingers crossed for you.”

This statement was made during the debate in which President Nikos Christodoulides presented Cyprus’s six-month Council Presidency programme to the European Parliament.