2015-09-09 14:15:00

Schulz on migration: common solutions to common problems


(Vatican Radio) The President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, has given an interview to Vatican Radio, in which he calls for “pragmatic solutions” to common European problems and global challenges.

Speaking to Vatican Radio’s Fausta Speranza in Strasbourg, on the same day the EU was set to launch a fresh effort to tackle its migration crisis, Schulz addressed especially the need for Europe to be united in its response, as well as prudent and far-sighted in its address of the security, justice and economic issues at the root of that crisis in many countries around the Mediterranean basin and beyond. “The challenge we are facing at present is not a national one,” said Schulz. “This is a European problem,” he continued, “and on global challenges, you cannot give national answers.”

The new EU efforts include a burden-sharing programme, under which refugees would be distributed among member states. The 28-country bloc has been struggling with its biggest influx of migrants and asylum seekers since World War II - an influx that has stretched resources and sparked tensions.Addressing the issue, Schulz spoke to Vatican Radio of the practical commitment to ideals, which forms and informs the whole structure and purpose of the European Union. “Solidarity is the basis for the whole action of the European Union,” he explained, adding that countries, which receive security and economic development benefits from membership in the Union, ought not then turn their backs on refugees. “They could – they should not abstain, and step away, when [the issue] is about refugees,” he added.

Click below to hear EP President Martin Schulz’s extended conversation with Vatican Radio’s Fausta Speranza 








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