Discussing the EU's security in Lyon

How to improve security in the European Union will be the key theme of the EPP Group's Bureau meeting in Lyon, France, from 12-13 April 2018.

 “As recent tragic events in France have shown, guaranteeing Europeans' security is a key and complex question that cannot be dealt with using simple or easy solutions. In the EPP Group, we believe that our policy should be the three P’s of peace, prosperity and partnership. To reach these objectives it is fundamental to secure our borders. We must have the capacity to defend ourselves, both in cyberspace and on the ground. Enhancing cooperation and coordination between Member States is key. These matters will be at the heart of our discussions in Lyon,” explained Manfred Weber, Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament.  

“The EU remains a model of stability. However, in a changing world characterised by new threats, it is our duty to meet the expectations of Europeans and to deliver. More security, everywhere in Europe, is a key priority. We need to work together, at the European level, on concrete strategies and solutions. Fighting radicalisation, increasing coordination between national intelligence services, establishing a genuine counterterrorism strategy and strengthening our external borders must be our strategic goals to ensure safety for all Europeans," declared Franck Proust MEP, Chair of the EPP Group's French delegation in the European Parliament.

“This Bureau meeting is a good occasion to exchange views with many experts on matters that count for European people, especially their security, and to try to find concrete and realistic solutions to the crises that are jeopardising the European edifice. Unlike nationalists, we believe that the EU is the best tool to protect Europeans,” said Francoise Grossetête MEP, Vice-Chairwoman of the EPP Group responsible for Economy and Environment.

Thursday and Friday’s programmes centre on discussions with experts on various subjects related to security, such as the fight against radicalisation, communication in times of fake news or how to improve the EU's counterterrorism strategy.

Laurent Wauquiez, President of the centre-right party Les Républicains, will intervene as a guest speaker on Thursday morning.

On Friday, members will discuss a position paper on security introduced by Esteban González Pons MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group responsible for the Working Group on Legal and Home Affairs.

Press agenda:

Thursday 12 April, 10.30 hrs

Press conference with Manfred Weber, Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament, Joseph Daul, Chairman of the EPP Party, Laurent Wauquiez, Chairman of the centre-right party Les Républicains, Franck Proust, Head of the French delegation of the EPP Group and Françoise Grossetête, Vice-Chairwoman of the EPP Group responsible for Economy and Environment.