Unfortunately, people are trapped in all sorts of interests and political exploitation of the situation

On Friday, 6. March 2020, MEPs met with reporters before the March plenary session of the European Parliament, which will this time be exceptionally held in Brussels. The key topics that were discussed during the briefing with reporters were the European Climate Law, the situation at the border between Greece and Turkey, the situation at the outbreak of the new coronavirus and the Hungarian media financing in Slovenia and North Macedonia.

Briefing began with the presentation of the European Climate Law, where MEP Irena Joveva pointed out that she could, on the one hand, agree with the critics about the looseness of the law. Environmentalists are pointing out that dealing with climate change is the number one priority, and as such, it must be addressed, as we are in a crucial decade that will have a decisive impact on the future of our planet.

On the other hand, I understand that these challenges cannot be solved overnight. After all, they must be tackled ambitiously, but not to the detriment of the economy, but above all, not to the detriment of the people.

Regarding migration and the situation at the Greek-Turkish border, MEP Joveva said that in her view the EU is more prepared this time. Union responded faster than during the 2015/16 migrant crisis: “I believe that many have learned from that first wave. Unfortunately, Union has not been able to use this intermediate time to devise a proper migration and asylum policy but I hope that we will develop appropriate policy as it is really high time. ” She also agreed that Turkish President Erdogan is blackmailing the EU, it was only a matter of time.

I am sorry that people are trapped in the political interests of certain leaders, in geopolitics and ‘dangerous’ populisms, who exploit fear in the circumstances on the border between Greece and Turkey to their advantage.

“Of course, you can’t just open borders and accept all people. It is quite clear that there are people who cross national borders illegally, however competent authorities have to bear in mind the human rights that are universal when dealing with migrants,” Joveva added.

On Wednesday, 11. March 2020, MEPs will certainly have a vivid debate regarding Hungarian media financing in Slovenia and Northern Macedonia. With the help of the European Liberals, it was agreed that the European Commission would make a statement on the subject in plenary.

Also, next week (Tuesday, 10. March 2020), at the initiative of internal MEPs group of Young Europeans, the narrower part of the team is also MEP Joveva, will meet with David Sassoli, the President of the European Parliament. They will talk about raising the culture of debate in the European Parliament, encouraging MEPs to engage in more dynamic discussions and, consequently, greater attendance at them; among other things, it will be debated about the possibility of longer addresses and greater use of blue cards (asking questions to other MEPs).