The European Socialists and Democrats fully support the global strategy for the EU’s foreign and security policy presented in the plenary of the European Parliament in Strasbourg today by Federica Mogherini, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy.
 

Following Mogherini's presentation, S&D vice-president for foreign affairs, Knut Fleckenstein MEP, said:

“For the S&D Group it is clear that in these difficult times we need a strong and efficient EU, which is capable of addressing all the challenges to its internal and external security.
"Migration is the most pressing international concern of the moment. Responding to its causes requires a comprehensive policy mix. Supporting economic and social development in the countries of origin is key.
“The global strategy presented today in the plenary by High Representative Mogherini will lead the way forward towards a more strategic European Union.
“We need a long-term strategy for the EU in the world and we call on the member states to contribute to making this vision a reality."
 

S&D MEP and vice-president for foreign affairs Victor Boştinaru said:

"The S&D Group welcomes this important, progressive and comprehensive strategy, which comes at the right moment . It is the perfect opportunity for the EU to assess its failures and gaps, and to work to deepen its internal integration while enhancing its role in the global community.
"It is time to use our political and economic weight, and all the tools at our disposal, to act in a credible and responsive but responsible way, in all dimensions of foreign policy: research, climate, migration, trade, development, diplomacy and – last but not least – security and defence.
"Considering the many security challenges we face today – from the conflicts in our eastern and southern neighbourhood to the overwhelming threat of terrorism – there is a need to invest in a solid European security and defence capacity and to sharpen our co-operation in these areas. Therefore I would like to welcome Federica Mogherini's call for the member states to channel a sufficient level of expenditure into defence. As NATO remains the strongest and most effective military alliance in the world, the development of our common defence should ensure good co-operation and co-ordination with NATO.
"The stability and the security of the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries means a lot to the EU! We need to continue and renew our efforts to bring to an end all conflicts in the Middle East. At the same time, we have to enhance our partnerships with the North African countries."