EPP and ALDE form pro-European coalition

The EPP and ALDE Groups have formed a pro-European coalition to reform Europe. The coalition invites other Groups to join.

EPP Group leader Manfred Weber said: "The EPP Group has always been pushing for an approach that is based on partnership - we remain true to that principle and will continue to deliver.

We want to act together to bring results for European citizens and guarantee Europe's stability. Our partnership is based on content and on reforms for Europe. It is a pact for results.

We invite all pro-European forces to join our partnership."

ALDE leader Guy Verhofstadt said: This is a first important step in the construction of a pro-European coalition to reform and strengthen our Union which is absolutely necessary. With Trump, with Putin, with many other challenges Europe faces, it is key that we cooperate to reform our Union.

Our coalition plan is open to all pro-European Groups. It’s a coalition of ideas to change the direction of the European Union. The agreement entails a European border and coast guard, new governance for the Eurozone to lift us out of the crisis, and a European defence force to make Europe safe again. And we also agreed to examine whether a European intelligence and investigation capacity is necessary to fight terrorism and international crime."

As part of this political agreement, both Groups will back Antonio Tajani to become President of the European Parliament.

Read the agreement here.