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European leaders formulate road map in EU summit to tackle challenges

Xinhua, September 17, 2016 Adjust font size:

Member states of the European Union(EU) have issued a joint declaration here on Friday, formulating a road map for the bloc to tackle a number of challenges, said Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

The road map approved at an informal EU summit here sets out how will the EU tackle issues like perceived lack of control of migration, terrorism, and economic and social insecurity. EU member states will further bring down the number of irregular migrants and ensure full control of the bloc's external borders, according to the declaration.

EU leaders are also committed to implementing the EU-Turkey deal on migration, continuing their support to the countries in the Western Balkans, and help to strengthen the protection of Bulgaria's border with Turkey.

At a press conference after the summit, Fico hailed the summit as a success. "The current situation in Europe and the result of Britain's referendum provided a good impetus for us in the EU to make some considerations. The summit was supposed to be the first response, and I believe that it was a correct response. The leaders had a sincere debate on the situation of the current EU," stressed Fico.

Even though the EU has showed some flaws, it's still the best possible project for Europe. "We believe that there is no reverse gear - we must continue going forward, because prosperity, stability and security in Europe can't be guaranteed but via the EU," said Fico.

"The Bratislava road map is an important document, which will lead our decision-making process during the next summits," stressed European Council President Donald Tusk.

Concerning internal security, EU leaders agreed to adopt measures to check people's identity when crossing the union's external borders. EU member states will set up a Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to allow for advance checks.

Regarding external security, EU will strengthen cooperation on external security and defence.

Concerning economic and social development, EU leaders will adopt decision on the extension of the European Fund for Strategic Investment in light of evaluation and review progress on the different Single Market strategies including Digital Single Market, Capital Markets Union, Energy Union.

The road map will be debated in the next six months, and concrete reforms are expected to be put to discussion at a summit in Italian capital Rome in March, which coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaty. Endite