STRASBOURG - Addressing the European Parliament gathered here Wednesday for its plenary session, European Council (EC) President Donald Tusk stressed the need for unity and mutual trust in a debate on the future of the European Union (EU).
In a debate on the outcomes of the European Council meeting of March 9-10, and in advance of celebrations of the 60th anniversary of signing the Treaty of Rome, Tusk told Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) that he would personally strive to see Europe face coming challenges as one.
"Considering the interests of the community of 27 countries in the context of the upcoming Brexit negotiations as well as the long-term strategic interests of the EU, I will be urging everyone to strive towards maintaining political unity among the 27," the EC president declared.
Repeating an expression he used following the March European Council meeting, Tusk told MEPs:"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
Tusk acknowledged, however, that since a European Commission white paper was released earlier this month detailing five possible scenarios for the future of Europe, discussion has centered around questions of a "multi-speed" Europe, and his understanding for concern.
"Some expect systemic changes that would loosen intra-EU ties and strengthen the role of nations in relation to the community. Others, quite the opposite, are looking for new, deeper dimensions of integration, even if they would apply only to some member states," said the EU Council president.
Tusk also remarked on agreements among EU leaders on making progress on migration issues ahead of what he predicted would be "a challenging summer," with large numbers of refugees expected to seek home on the continent for the third consecutive year. (Xinhua)