This Council is very important.
One more crucial Council is going to take place today. We have to discuss very important issues.
We shall start with our Common European Asylum System; it has to be finalised by the end of the year.
Then the discussions about resettlement, security issues and above all that the fight against terrorism, and Schengen.
Yesterday, I visited the village of Schengen, which is a symbol of European integration and from there I sent the very clear message that it is our duty to defend and preserve Schengen.
As you know, one week ago, we presented a proposal on Schengen.
It is a far-reaching proposal. We want to enhance, deepen more and protect Schengen.
But the most important is to see it through a European angle – we should find only European solutions in front of these big questions that have been raised recently.
So as you understand, there will be a very interesting discussion today and I expect from all MS to contribute in a positive way, as far as migration is concerned to increase their pledges.
Yes, we have made great progress during the last two years, but there is a long way to run in the future.
We have to be very well prepared as a Union.
The policy we have adopted during this period is showing us the way.
On all these issues we can only find European answers and European solutions.
Q On Schengen: Germany extended its border controls yesterday. What do you think about that?
Yesterday we got the notification from MS on what you just asked me. I understand this notification was under the pressure of a deadline, so we are going to assess the content and discuss it with all MS.
this prolongation is within what is foreseen already.
But there is also another proposal for the future.
Let me come back to what I said before: whatever we decide, whatever we do, as MS or as the EC, it has to be fully aligned with our political objective: to keep our borders free of any control. This is what we must all do. And I believe this has been taken into consideration by all MS.
Q Is Schengen zone dead as we know it?
No. I understand and I share the concerns of some MS, especially on what has to do with security. But Schengen is alive. Schengen has to stay alive and it is our duty. Because if Schengen dies, Europe will die.