Tusk on WARPATH: Brussels Boss Vows to Name and Shame Members Blocking Macron's Superstate
- Tusk on WARPATH: Brussels Boss Vows to Name and Shame Members Blocking Macron’s Superstate
by NICK GUTTERIDGE, BRUSSELS CORRESPONDENT, http://www.express.co.uk/
DONALD Tusk today vowed to name and shame those blocking further integration for the eurozone as he also issued a direct threat to Eastern Europe over migration and the rule of law.
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In a forceful speech the EU Council chief laid down the law to squabbling member states and stressed the need for “unity” to come through multiple crises including migration and Brexit.
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Mr Tusk, who was updating MEPs on last week’s summit, railed against countries “conflicting interests” and warned them there would be “consequences” for ignoring EU rules. However, he also offered an olive branch to those worried about the effects of mass migration saying he understood concerns many people have about a potential erosion of European culture.
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In a parliament address unusually heavy on substance the Council president backed plans by French president Emmanuel Macron to set up a European Monetary Fund and full Banking Union and plough billions into an EU army.
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The proposals are causing nervousness in some wealthier member states who fear being dragged into debt pooling, but form a key plank of federalists’ proposed reform of the eurozone.
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Mr Tusk said: “The problem is member states’ conflicting interests. I will do everything in my power to take the first very concrete steps by June towards establishing the European Monetary Fund and strengthening the stability of the Banking Union.
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“I still believe it is possible. In June it will become clear if I’m an incurable optimist. But one thing I can promise you today – if we don’t reach agreement by June I will say precisely why it wasn’t possible and who is responsible.”
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In his address Mr Tusk also took aim at Eastern European member states failing to show a lack of “solidarity” over migration by refusing to accept mandatory refugee quotas.
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