Verklaring EP-voorzitter Schulz over akkoord vernieuwingen in Schengen- en asielbeleid (en)

Met dank overgenomen van Voorzitter Europees Parlement (EP-voorzitter) i, gepubliceerd op woensdag 12 juni 2013.

After almost a year of tough negotiations with the Council, in Strasbourg, the European Parliament adopted today a compromise with the Irish Presidency on improving the management of the EU's area with internal borders (the "Schengen area").

The President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz made the following statement on the agreement:

"The right to free movement of our citizens is fundamental to our Union. Rather than weakening this right, as some had wanted, the Schengen area will come out strengthened, making a first step towards the Community method, with greater transparency, and with stronger safeguards against populist abuse.

Whilst the European Parliament would have wished to go much further, this is still a positive outcome which improves on the status quo."

Common Asylum System

EP President Martin Schulz also commented on the agreement on reforming the EU's Common Asylum System, a long-term goal which required several years of negotiations with the Council, also approved today by the European Parliament:

"The existing system has shown serious weaknesses and can result in an unacceptable lottery. The European Parliament has taken the lead in pushing for fair and practical improvements to asylum procedures, clearer time-limits for processing them, and respect for fundamental rights - especially in the case of children or those with special needs.

"I would like to pay tribute to the rapporteurs in the European Parliament - Mr Masip Hidalgo, Ms Wikström, Ms Guillaume and Ms Macovei, as well as the Irish Presidency and Commissioner Malmström for working to achieve this important milestone."

For further information:

europarl.president.press@europarl.europa.eu

Richard Freedman

Press Officer

+32 498 983 239

Armin Machmer

Spokesperson

+32 498 98 15 50

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