We need a Europe of solidarity and humanity
Press release from EFA MEP Jordi Solé
Commenting after the address to the European Parliament of Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on the future of Europe, Catalan MEP Jordi Solé (Greens/EFA) was critical of the Polish PM's narrow vision of a Europe of nation states.
Instead Solé called for a 'Europe of solidarity and humanity', particularly in the face of the hostility being shown towards migrants by several European states.
As 60 migrants rescued at sea by NGO Open Arms are arriving in Barcelona, and are being assisted by the Catalan government, Solé praised this example of 'solidarity and humanity' as a 'ray of hope in the face of growing selfishness and outdated nationalism in Europe.'
Greens/EFA MEP Ana Miranda has been on board the Astral ship which took part in the Open Arms rescue operation.
Jordi Solé MEP said:
"I want the EU to keep being the world reference in human rights and solidarity. But I'm afraid that the Union of nation states pictured in the Polish Prime Minister's speech won't be fit for that.
"To be relevant in our world, the EU must be much more than a collection of states, only speaking about an inward-looking solidarity while sealing-off external borders and not assuming the moral responsibility in taking a share in welcoming people fleeing from desperate situations.
"As we speak, 60 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean sea by the NGO Open Arms, with 4 MEPs aboard, including our Green/EFA colleague Ana Miranda, are being disembarked in Barcelona.
"They will receive medical attention and will be assisted in being housed by the Catalan government. They will also be accompanied in the process of requesting asylum.
"This Europe of solidarity and humanity that we see today in Barcelona and Catalonia is a ray of hope in the face of growing selfishness and outdated nationalism in Europe."
