"We are surrounded by regimes that don't like our European way of life. They feel threatened and insecure from our freedom and models of society. It's not only Russia. The southern Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Africa is an area that can also bring threats to our democracy and deserves attention. "Antonio López-Istúriz White, EPP Secretary general and MEP made these remarks when addressing the 9th European Summit of Regions and Cities in Marseille.
López-Istúriz White who is a member of the AFET Committee and rapporteur on a Renewed Partnership for Southern Neighbourhood said " The European Union is already late to the game when it comes to sub-Saharan Africa. But we cannot allow that such a geopolitical contest take place near our borders. This is why our Strategy with the Southern Neighbourhood is so important." He added that his report will give due attention to the views of local and regional authorities.
EU enlargement
In a separate debate on EU Enlargement, Nikola Dobroslavić, President of the Dubrovnik-Neretva Region and Chair of the CoR Western Balkans Working Group said ''Western Balkan countries need to become members of the EU but only after meeting necessary criteria, including respect for the rule of law and addressing corruption." With respect to Ukraine, Dobroslavić said that Ukraine should be on its way to become a candidate and should have the support of the whole EU'.
Franz Schausberger, representative of the Salzburg State Parliament and co-chair of the CoR-Serbia Joint Consultative Committee said "The terrible tragedy in Ukraine should lead to radical change of EU's enlargement policy. It should be not about meaningless declarations but about concrete actions. If we fail to advance, foreign powers who are not based on democracy and human rights will be settle in the centre of Europe."