Brussels 2 September: The European Movement International (EMI) welcomes the appointment of Donald Tusk as President of the European Council and Federica Mogherini as High Representative for Foreign Affairs. The ambition must be to work for a more united and stronger European Union, both internally and externally.

Mr Tusk, together with Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, will have the delicate task of mediating between the interests of the European Union member states in order to find common positions and solutions that benefit all European citizens. In light of numerous crises in the European Union’s direct neighbourhood, Ms Mogherini must strengthen the Union’s external policy capabilities and organise the voice of Europe to defend its values and interests.

Jo Leinen MEP, President of the European Movement International stated that: ‘With the discussions on the distribution of the European Union’s top-jobs coming to an end, EU leaders should now swiftly focus on solutions for the new and old crises in and around Europe. A strong European voice is not only needed to overcome the economic crisis, but also to avoid further bloodshed in our direct neighbourhood. Ms Mogherini’s and Mr Tusk’s prime responsibility is to provide for the unity of the EU’.
[ENDS]

Notes to the Editors
1. The European Movement International (EMI) is one of the largest pan and pro-European civil society organisations with currently more than 70 Member Organisations, bringing together representatives from European associations, political parties, enterprises and trade unions. www.europeanmovement.eu

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