Leaders of France's UMP Met the EPP's Presidency

Created: 23rd November, 2007 13:42	print	send

Vice-chairman of the EPP, Mr Orbán was present at the meeting with leaders of the governing centre-right Gaullist UMP to discuss the issues of the 2008 French presidency, notably environmental protection and migration policies.

The former Hungarian PM said that the main goal upon founding the EU [then called EEC] was to achieve peace in Europe, succeeded by the aim to accomplish unity, and by now, both of these historic objectives were accomplished successfully. "A third era is about to begin now, one of a strong Europe, and this unprecedented meeting in Paris is proof of this ambition", stated the chairman of Fidesz - Hungarian Civic Union.

"France wants a strong Europe and wishes to support the EU's common policies on a higher level then ever before", highlighted Mr Orbán, adding that he could not recall an analogous initiative of a member party, such as the UMP.

The EPP's vice chairman emphasized that it had not been the EPP's presidency's reunion in Paris but rather a bilateral meeting to assess the issues vital to France's presidency of the European Union next year. This event represents a new vision of Europe, one where national interests and common policies do not conflict with competitiveness.

According to the chairman of Fidesz, it became clear that a strong Europe could not be based on neoliberal policies and for this reason the French presidency would bring about a new approach towards the EU that would equally be of Hungarian interest.

Of the five major issues proposed by the government of France, namely: agricultural, defense, energy, migration and environmental policies, Mr Orbán said the latter two represented Europe's aspiration for a new identity backed by a strong commitment on behalf of its member states, ready to embrace the environmental case and a common migration policy.

Mr François Fillon (UMP), PM of France received the EPP's presidency after the meeting.