The EU had the opportunity, and a strong self-interest, to lock in long-term positive momentum across the Western Balkans by starting negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania, but EU leaders failed to agree today at the European Summit.

Today, the EU reaffirms its firm commitment to the respect for fundamental rights - human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities.

Just back from Hungary, it is hard not to view the historic series of events, which led to the fall of the Iron Curtain and the Berlin Wall through the lens of the present. Hungary has played an outstanding and courageous role in the dismantling of borders and barriers on our continent, allowing Europe to grow together, to further the European project of unity, peace and prosperity. 

We can no longer waste any of our time. We want a responsible and supportive Europe, respectful of human rights. We want a Europe that knows how to welcome diversity in an organised way and make it a truly enriching experiencing. Because on the banknotes we handle every day there are no walls but bridges, no closed ports but open doors and windows, symbolising the European spirit of openness and cooperation. 

The President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Luca Jahier is in Shanghai for the 17^th meeting of the EU-China Round Table, bringing together the EESC and the China Economic and Social Council (CESC).

Dear President, Dear Mr Michel, I would like to congratulate you on your appointment as the President of the European Council. This is an essential position in the European institutional system for which, I am convinced, you will demonstrate the fullness of your talent, animated by your unwavering European spirit.

Finland assumes today, for the third time in its history, the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. We all agree there is no other alternative than accelerate sustainability. The faster the transition, the better it will be for prosperity and democracy in Europe. I strongly welcome the clear message from President Antti Rinne “A key priority of Finland’s Presidency is the EU’s global leadership in climate action.”