(ANSA) - STRASBOURG, 19 JAN - "The protection of the environment and the recognition of access to abortion should be included in the Charter of Fundamental Rights", which "must be updated".
President Emmanuel Macron said this when he presented the French presidency of the EU to the Plenary of the European Parliament.
Macron also announced, for February, "a summit for the future of the oceans" because - he stressed - "Europe is a maritime power".
According to the head of the Elysée, "Europe is founded on three great promises. A promise of democracy, which was born and has been revitalized on our continent. A promise of progress and a promise of peace. The current crumbling we see is shaking these three promises. , our challenge is to respond in depth to the question of the re-foundation of these three promises. The French presidency will promote values which, by virtue of being considered acquired, have become more fragile ".
In his speech, Macron then spoke of the crisis generated by the coronavirus. "The management of the pandemics by the democracies has led to decisions that are much more protective of human lives and the economy than those of the totalitarian regimes. We are ready for the fight for the liberal democracy".
He therefore hoped that "the French presidency will carry forward the reform of the Schengen area" with the aim of "protecting our external borders" and with the development of "an intergovernmental force for rapid intervention".
On the immigration dossier, it is necessary to "act with solidarity and acceptance among the Member States as we did between 2018 and 2021".
A thought was not lacking for David Sassoli, a man who "believed in a Europe supported by the values that unite us.
A Europe built on Freedom, solidarity, tradition and progress".
(HANDLE).