European Heads of Government / State Meeting - Europolis, 6th July 2020
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Lifejumper nodded after listening to Bridges and decided to speak again.
"The Commonwealth of Leagio would be willing to move on a path of a eco-friendly environment. However, Commissioner Juncker, the problem that solar power is deeply expensive, especially to supply power to the Eastern Territories within the Commonwealth. Unlike many other nations, Leagio does not have many options in what types of power it can use at this point. It is impossible to use Hydroelectric power as there is only one river in the whole Commonwealth. We stuck to using coal, oil, and limited on solar. We have hardly gotten any investors willing to fund the construction of solar panels in the eastern parts of the Commonwealth, who badly need power every day of the week. "
"The Commonwealth does have Nuclear Material that we mine and sell to nations that are allowed to have it. There has been some talk but some members within the Leagioan National Congress to fund the construction of nuclear plants to provide lots of power to the Commonwealth. Although, I have sent my concerns about the construction of those plants and the needed safety requirements that need to be established for them. "
"On the issue of Electic-cars, unfortunately, Leagio does not have a strong automobile production at this point to do what the Kingdom of Reitzmag has done in being able to produce them. However, we can attempt to import Reitzmag's electric cars and make plans for next fiscal year to support car industries within the Commonwealth to make our own version of electric-cars. But on switching Europolis buildings to solar would be something that the Commonwealth would support be i would like to an estimated projection of the total cost of such a move; especially with the plan to building a new building for the EU to be run properly."
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Aguilar stood up and started to talk:
"Spain has a strong compromise ith Climate Change, and we think as the Commissioner does. We really need to save our planet, and we will if we all join together into a common point where we act together. I think that if the Premier Commissioner grants a bufget soon, we will be able to start this as soon as possible. Spain, as you all know, has invested in solar energy and wind energy, and its enterprises like Iberdrola have the resources to grant those windmills in other countries. As far as this is accomplished, and we all agree in the matter of saving our planet, Spain will be happy with it."
After Aguilar made his speech, he stood up. Not many gave their opinion on this point, which meant that they didn't have a former opinion on that, He started to talk:
"Thank you for your words Mr. Bridges, Mr. Lifejumper and Mr. Aguilar. I'm really happy to see that we all agree on this, even a huge majority didn't take the word to tell us their opinions. About the Eurostar, the project it's completely different, so no need to credit someone or something, like for example an Institution. The old project was predestinated to fail. The Eurostar projectwould work as this:
- Phase 1 would consist on analyzing the resources of every nation about public transport, specially focusing on trains, as it's the main matter. Once we have recieved all of that information, we would go to Phase 2.
- Phase 2. That one would consist on start seeing which routes are suitable to start between nations, building with the governments, specially the Ministry of Transport of each country the necessary infrastructures to have an Eurostar service while the enterprise, that would be a mix between public and private, would start buying the trains.
- Then, we move towards phase 3, when the first services between nations would start. Our purpose is to start the services between nations closer to each other.
- Phase 4 would be hard to achieve, because benefits should be done before moving towards this one. In phase 4, the major infrastructures projects would start, like tunnels under the seas or bridges over them.
- And finally, phase 5, completion and starting the services between the whole EU, granting the Europeans a safe, confortable travel between European nations."
Juncker drank a bit of water and then continued his speech:
"Moving on to Leagio, if we want everyone to sum up to the project, we will have to fund those countries that need some extar-budget for that. Maybe removing coal and oil and expanding solar energy and wind energy in Leagio could be what you'll need. If you wish to, I will travel to Leagio to know more about the country itself and their resources. Those that also want a meeting wih me can request it in my office.
And now, we move on to Free Movement and Trade. I would like to know the opinions of the European member-states toward this point. The Free Trade and Movement would be an advantage for turism purposes, but also business. Maybe it has not worked in the past, but that doesn't mean it could not work now. For this we would obviously need everyone. If someone opposes forever and ever, it will be technically impossible, so I would like to hear everyone's opinion into this. Thank you."
OCC: Deadline ends 22nd July 12:30 CEST / 11:30 BST / 10:30 GMT
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Archambault finally stood up after what it felt like a century.
"If we're done talking about petty conflicts, I shall start."
"Let's start with the obvious: An independent member state should have control of its borders. Though the idea of free travel across all countries sounds rather delightful, they can be, at times, dangerous. Our neighbours aren't the most stable. Removing visas and paperwork while crossing borders are fine, as the previous administration of Malborya has done a free movement agreement with Spain a while back, which I do not have any problems with:
A) FREE TRAVEL
1A - Spanish citizens can visit The Malboryan Republic visa-free up to 45 days for tourism purposes.
Spanish citizens can request a visa if they want to stay in Malborya for extended periods, though no longer than 120 days per year.
1B - Malboryan citizens can visit Spain visa-free up to 30 days for tourism purposes.
Malboryan citizens can request a visa if they want to stay in Spain for extended periods, though no longer than 160 days per year.
However, I believe member states must have the right to close down borders to any member state, given extraordinary circumstances, such as conflict, war, pandemic and so on."
"Moving on to another topic, the use of renewable energy in the automotive industry. I believe that The Malboryan Republic is not good enough in this regard, due to negligence by previous administrations. As climate change becomes a more serious issue day after day, I feel like it's about time for me to lead Malborya to become more eco-friendly. Not just on the automotive industry, but in every aspect possible."
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Emryc Isla adjusted his microphone
"Er, yeah, put me down as opposing forever and ever. Thanks."
"We wouldn't be opposed, that said, to an EU law that implemented a certain set of baselines for international trade and perhaps provided the ECoJ, or another institution, with the power to resolve trade disputes."
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"I agree with Prime Minister Arch... Archam.. Archambolt? As sovereign states, we like, totally have control over our respective borders. Inquista institutes free travel between states that Inquista considers both safe and trustworthy. This is something I'd rather negotiate unilaterally, rather than multilaterally here. I will say though, that Inquista will never restrict or block travel to any member state unless it's like, extremely bad and a total mess. The only place where Inquista currently has travel restrictions to is the island of Icholasen.
I am very fond of Prime Minister Isla's proposal for some baseline rules on international trade. Inquista would support the creation of such an institution."
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Aguilar saw how free movement in the European Union was highly impossible, but not free trade. He then started to talk:
"Firstly the Eurostar project has been very controversial. Sadly for Mr. Bridges, the old one is Spanish, but this one is completely different, or that's what Mr. Juncker said. We really need to start looking at what we have to do and stop looking at what we could do. It would make the European Union much more efficent.
About free movement, I would like to see it but it's mostly impossible, which means that agreements between nations will be the way to get those agreements. With the Free Movement, Spain wouldn't have been able to close its borders to certain people, but we would have to ask Europolis for permission and have a common answer. That's why keeping the current status would be the favourite choice.
Finally, I support the institution idea for the International Free Trade. I would also propose to have more talks like this in which we debate the baselines Mr. Isla said time ago. If we all cooperated towards this, we could get for sure a good agreement for every single country. But again, cooperation it's needed, and not everyone is open to that."
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President Lifejumper decided to speak.
"The Commonwealth, or at least the current administration, would be glad to implement free trade with all the recognized countries of Europe. Our government has somewhat implemented a system ensure that a majority of foreign goods come to the country without no restrictions. The Commonwealth is welcome to trade its goods with all members within this community, except Nuclear Material as mentioned earlier. The Commonwealth only sells nuclear material to countries that are allowed to build nukes and nuclear power plants, but even the amount is limited per shipment. The reason for this is because we do not wish for the material to somehow to be used by terrorists or nations that are not authorized to build nuclear weapons. "
"One of the recent concerns that my cabinet has brought to me that we have reason to accept the possibility that the illegitimate government within the United Dominions of Icholasen, who calls themselves the UNSR, is looking to somehow smuggle Leagioan mined nuclear material as a way to ensure that they can be able to build nukes through a supply that is tremendously health. At this point, i cannot discuss much about the rest of the issue as Leagio's Common Agency of Crime and Terrorism (CACT) is currently investigating it as we speak."
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Simon listened at every speech of the leaders and he was very concerned at how the Free Trade and Free Travel will work and so as the Eurostar, he thought of an idea on how the Eurostar project could be done ASAP. So he decided to stand up and address the assembly once again:
"My friends, Reitzmag has played a key role in the development of these ideas and we want to contribute more on it. First, I'd like to say for the last minute that I am willing to communicate with companies in Reitzmag that produces Solar Panels, Electric Cars, and other resources that we would need the development of such thing. And for you Mr. Lifejumper, you need no worries as I will request to Tesla Motors to have a partnership with Leagioan automobile manufacturers to help in the further development of this project. And this would also be the same for everyone that would want to cooperate also."
"Now, Mr. Juncker, you have mentioned your plans for the phased process in the Eurostar project. And I know that this was one of the issues in the Reitzmo-Spanish diplomatic conflict. I have noticed that you are planning to do a simultaneous construction before making this transport system available and operational. I think that this would just cost us time since we can simply construct these systems and let the first fully functional line be used while the rest is being continued. With this system, we can make the first part of the Eurostar available by about 2023 and we could, in theory, finish the entire project by 2025. This would also help prevent us from spending too much in the budget since we are already collecting ticket sales as soon as any part of the project's system is already available for use. And with this, I am also willing to communicate with Reitzmic companies that have the capacity to build trains and etc. to help in this project and probably give a lower price for high quality equipment. The digging of tunnels would also be easy as Reitzmag has the latest technology in tunneling. It is shown in the picture on the screen:"
"I hope that our proposals can contribute to the better future of Europe."
Then he drank a glass of water and took some bites of his cheetos before he continues his speech.
"Moving on to your free trade and free movement proposal Mr. Juncker. I am afraid that we may not agree on those. Especially at this time where Europe is in a bad state and low safety rating levels due to the recent happenings such as coups and revolutions. Though it is certain that Reitzmag would be interested in such, we cannot risk the security of our nation especially at this time that we are protecting a nation in exile. We know that it has advantages for tourism and trade but I believe that our national sovereignty could be violated if the terms and conditions for your proposal Mr. Juncker are not pleasing. And for what you are planning Mr. Aguilar, I would certainly not allow the European Union to control our national borders for those are already outside of its bound of interest. If that would be implemented, then I am sorry but give us back our money and we will leave the EU."
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The Union of Duxburian Dominions has historically opposed free trade and movement and will continue to do so for the foreseable future. Our economy is not configured to thrive in an interconnected world where low wage labor can undercut us and where supply chains rely on the stability of other countries. We pay the 2nd highest average salaries in Europe, maintain domestic heavy industry, and limit our exposure to regional instability by sourcing and building more in-house. Free trade and movement can undermine all of this. We strongly prefer bilaterial trade agreements custom-tailored to specific trading partners' offers and needs.
As for Eurostar, our main objections are on structure and cost:
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Structurally, there are too many cooks in the proverbial kitchen. A network on that scale needs to be run by an entity with a very small number of experts at the top calling the shots. Public transit administration tends to get extremely bloated in a hurry, with massive red tape delaying all projects and running up costs. An EU council style board of all member-states is not going to work, nor will dominion by one member-state. Something like that would need to be run by the EU itself, with a carefully constructed entity that can be lean at the top and heavy at the bottom where it makes sense to be.
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Cost-wise, the Eurostar is thinking with its heart and not with its brain. Building entirely new infrastructure is the wrong way to go about the issue - most member-states already have existing rail infra, physical infra is not the problem. The problem is how to get existing lines and systems to work with each other seamlessly so a passenger can start a trip in country X and end in country Y without having to change trains along the way. A simple discrepency like standard guage widths in different countries can bring cooperation to a screeching halt.
Historically, to connect to the Union of Duxburian Dominions by rail, other countries needed to adopt Duxburian Heavyweight Guage, as we run bigger, wider, heavier trains than most countries. We've since adopted the usage of Dual Guage track which can accomodate inner and outer sets of rails for both heavyweight and standard guages. To connect with other countries, you also need to think about different voltage standards on electrified lines, different signal standards, fare systems, payment methods, etc. These things are a headache, but much more practical than trying to create entirely new lines and acquiring massive length rights-of-way from existing landowners.
In such cases where you do have to build bridges or tunnels, that may be prohibitively expensive. One large tunnel between countries could run up 10+ billion kaels and that's just to actually build it. You may end up spending hundreds of millions in planning, siting, regulatory compliance, environmental impact studies, and standards harmonization between the countries it connects. You then have to maintain the tunnel and the sensitive electronics inside it. One flood can do over a billion worth of damage to its equipment. You have to spend on security, ventilation, structural integrity monitoring, and a whole host of unexpected post-construction problems as they pop up. For an entire system, you are looking at potentially outspending the EU itself. To play with the figures necessary would require massive buy-in from individual states, as the scale overwhelms an entity such as the EU.
Reitzmag's time projections are a ridiculous fantasy. Even the most advanced equipment is humbled by the specific underlying geology of a site, which can cause a tunnel to take over a decade to drill. Eurostar would need to proceed in small phases and the entire system would not be 100% operational for decades, like 20-30 years on the optimistic end of estimates. This is why entirely new infra should be avoided at all costs and only constructed as an absolute physical last resort.
Dante Maximillan
Steward of the Duxburian Union -
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Juncker stood up to talk once again. Its been 4 hours of meeting, and he thought things were looking good even if not everyone gave his support to his proposals. He expected that, so it was going good. He finally started his speech:
"Thank you all for your speeches on this point of the agenda. I think we have got to a conclusion. We don't like Free Movement, but we are mostly open to Free Trade. I kind if understand the matter of keeping the borders control, and I want to say that if states want yo keep their rights over their borders, they will be able to with me in this Commission seat. My purpose it's to make a better Europe, not to force member-states to do what I want. As of Free Trade, I mostly see some common positions, which allow us to move further on this.
Before I move on, I would like to offer my help to Leagioan President to investigate those issues with Nuclear resources involving the UNSR, which it's really dangerous. Also, Mr. Bridges, Dante told you what I'm judt about to say. Eurostar won't be fully operational for 2023 even using the best technology. It's technically impossible.
Moving on, I'm going to talk about that hypothetical pandemic scenario. If that happened, we would have to act fast and with coordination, help those that need help and don't let anyone behind us. The Agency Leagio proposed would be a good idea, and it could be leaded by the Internal Affairs Commissioner if that's ok for you. Also, I would like to recommend member-states to safe medical resources in case this pandemic scenario would take place. About the sound Taxes Spain imposed in their Straights, Commission does not oppose but also does not support this. I'm staying neutral as I think this is not the best thing for the EU. If I forgot any proposal, please just tell me.
Before I finish, I would like to remember this will be your closing statement. After that closing statement, you will be only able to answer questions from other member-states, but not to do another speech. After you all have finished the debate, I will do my closing statement and this meeting will be considered as closed."
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"First of all, Mr Juncker, I would like to thank you for setting up this meeting and carrying through with it. We've had people insult one another and non-representatives try to break in, but you persisted, and you have the Imperial Government's thanks for it.
With your permission, I'll address only a few of the many topics this meeting has covered. First of all, I would like to turn to the Sound tolls Spain has seen fit to introduce in the Mediterranean. Inimicus is gravely, deeply opposed to this, and I think I am not the only representative of government here who is. We sincerely and gravely implore the Spanish government to reconsider this rash and uncalled-for decision which affects not just those countries bordering the Mediterranean and being dependent on sea traffic through the now-taxed Straits, but every European nation who conducts trade and commerce with the region. The Inimician government is currently considering retaliatory tariffs on Spanish commercial operations, and although the details of this are yet to be worked out, we hope other nations will follow suit.
I also think real progress has been made on the region's pandemic readiness through this meeting, and I thank all those present for their constructive approaches. I have no doubt appropriate legislation will soon appear in the European Council, legislation which will make our region safer, more ready for the very real possibility of a global pandemic, and, ultimately, more united against what is truly a universal enemy: disease.
And then the waves of communist insurrection and civil strife we are seeing across Europe. Inimicus is not innocent of its own civil woes, indeed, the current Imperial structure arose from the Inimician Civil War, which concluded in 2011. Apparently unlike other European nations, however, we have learned from this experience, and we know more than most other nations the horrendous consequences of a violent overthrowing of civil administrations. We still experience the consequences of this every day, when refugees from the war-struck nation of Dromund Kaas, on our Eastern Border, arrive at our gates, shell-shocked and wretched. We are now further bordered by Neo-Venetia, which has seen its own communist revolution and which now threatens to spread its authoritarian filth further through the sub-region.
We must act united. We must institute boycotts, border closures, diplomatic sanctions. We must empty our entire box of tricks to make these regimes suffer and make the people they oppress realise they themselves must act. To everyone here, I say, make it happen. Fight for your democratic freedoms."
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Aguilar stood up to talk for the last time. It had been a very exhausting meeting, in which he had the opportunity to know the European Leaders, most of them; and hear their opinions about all the matters. He was finally talking for the last time:
"Firstly I would like to talk about the Sound Taxes I have imposed in both straights. First of all, those are negotiable, so if a country would like to have less taxes applied to their cargo ships, they perfectly can arrange a summit with both agencies that manage these taxes and arrange the group change. Inimicus is only taxed in the Mediterranean, not in Adventuranza. Anyway, we are open to negotiate with everyone and everybody. We aren't denying any offers or negotiations.
Secondly, I must say that a pandemic scenario would be a disaster for the European Union, its economy, its people, its members. I would like to support the Commissioner ideas and say Spain will work on that. Hopefully, se have some status that could allow the Government to set restrictions that affect essential civil rights and it's fully democratic, so Spain won't be breaking laws and also, would nlt use this as a way to set a not-democratical status.
In third place, I would like to address the need of a fair European Budget. I know it's not the Internal Affairs Commissioner task to do this, but I would like the Commissioner to ask Ms. Whiteford when are we getting that budget. I also want to talk about Spain and how we recall are, because sometimes the actions taken by some people to make my country look as a trashy place may have hid what Spain really is. Spain is a really open country, that loves democracy and aims to take part in building a better European Union along with every single nation on it. I admit that we sometimes are hard on our measures, but being hard doesn't mean Spain likes wars, it's the opposite. We are not entering any wars unless our country is seriously threatened.
Finally, I would like to thank Commissioner Juncker for his great management of this meeting. I know that it's been hard, that you have suffered the insults from an European Councillor and moreover, we have given you an incredible amount of work to do that I expected you could manage very well, and you did. Congratulations Commissioner, you have done a great job until today, and I'm sure you'll continue making a fantastic job in the days to come. Thank you all"
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President Lifejumper nodded and decided to stand up and talk for the last time.
"First, I must also thank the Commissioner for organizing this meet. it shows that the European Union definitely wants to come together and resolve any problems that occur within our community. Furthermore, I wish to also say to the Commissioner that the Commonwealth would be delighted to have you visit our community over the energy issue and the nuclear material issue that I mentioned earlier. The Commonwealth wishes to continue with its support to the EU and show that it, like the other nations here, are defenders of peace, liberty, and equality. Peace, liberty, and equality is the ideas that we love along with the idea of democracy. These ideas are the ideas that Commonwealth of Leagio follows here."
"Second, i would first like to say that it has been an honor to meet the leaders of all of these nations that are in attendance in this. It has been a real honor. I ask that all the nations in the meeting be willing to continue to follow the four ideas that Leagio follows: Peace, Equality, Liberty, and Democracy. The false and violent government within the island of Icholasen has shown that it does not follow in these ideas. The ideas that are valuable to a peaceful and loving world. Action should be taken against them, but warfare should only be a last resort. For warfare will always bring out the pain and suffering that ruins the four ideas of the world. Leagio has no desire for war, but we will defend ourselves to ensure that the Four Ideas of the Commonwealth are threatened. For the Commonwealth ensures that every citzen and resident has the Common Defense that protects those ideas."
"Lastly, i ask the every nation develop plans on what should be done within their country if a pandemic occurs if none has been formed yet. Thank you."
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"I would like to also totally thank Commissioner Juncker for this super cool hang-out session. This is the first time that the European Assembly has been called, and so I really didn't think so many of you would show up! Basically all of our region's leaders are here right now. This is a massive success, I'd say. I'm very pleasantly surprised to see my friends from the Duxburian Union and Angleter here. You guys both have my number, so why don't you guys ever call me? I'll create a group chat on WhatsApp after this meeting so we can catch-up.
Before we leave this meeting today, I want to echo Mr. Straddleclyde's words. My Inimican friend is in the right. We truly must be united as a region. We need to all stand together against UNSR bullies, and we must do so through real and tangible action. Boycotts, border closures and diplomatic sanctions should be the bare minimum. President Lifejacket is wise in reminding us of what is important: peace, equality, liberty, and democracy. If we are to exist as a cohesive Union, and if we to treasure these four values, then we need to take a stand against this common threat. Please, let us not be idle on this."
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Erik Johannsen, Fremet's Deputy Statsminister, had been selected as a special envoy of the Staatsrat to represent the Fremetian government at this meeting during the ongoing national election cycle.
He had listened carefully to all that had been said, taking detailed notes of the proposals of the representatives (and their arguments).
When at last it seemed this gathering was drawing to a close, Erik rose to make his first (and only) statement on behalf of Fremet:
"Mr Juncker, you have done an exemplary job in conducting this meeting. Your service deserves to be commended. The discussions that have taken place here surely further power the slow gears of progress in the months ahead.
I believe our esteemed colleague from Inimicus said it best in our call for unity. The European Council wholeheartedly enacted legislation that sanctioned the illegal communist government in Icholasen. It is imperative that we continue to maintain a united front against an enemy that not only threatens the very existence of Fremet, but the delicate peace we have all managed to prosper in.
Furthermore, the Fremetian government, in principle, does not support the notion of free trade or freedom of movement outside our own borders. Our economy, thanks in part to its isolation from the continent for the better part of a century, is extremely sensitive to cheap overseas labour. As such, Fremet's existing trade arrangements have been carefully chosen and fine-tuned to ensure the lasting stability and success of the Fremetian economy. While we do not oppose the free movement of people in itself, we generally seek to establish such arrangements with nations that have established track records in protecting the rights of all those in their borders.
As to the planned Eurostar project, I don't give a rat's ass who thought of it. Frankly, we do not see the merit in sending billions of Francs overseas to a project with little noticeable benefit to Fremet. While I see the benefits of such a system for the likes of Reitzmag, Gallorum, or Spain, it is simply not worth the immense amount of effort required for a nation like my own. Even if the UNSR should fall tomorrow, it will be some time before we will be willing to even consider building a direct rail link between our two islands. Integrating existing railways across the continent is by far a more palatable solution. As my Duxburian colleague mentioned, it will require a massive effort to undertake such a proposition, but it is doubtless such a plan will save time, money, and countless resources, allowing for the increased probability of success of such a massive project.
Mr Aguilar, while I appreciate that Fremetian shipping is exempt from the sound toll, I find it a most troubling precedent. What is to say that, after the successful introduction of a toll at Gibraltar, that Ruthund or Valhalla shouldn't implement a tax on traffic en route to and from the oil rich lands of the arctic? Or that you shouldn't implement a second toll on the straight to your south, leading to Inimicus and the Duxburian Union? No. This must be stopped here. Countless nations across the EU rely on shipping to transit goods across this vast continent, and we mustn't risk the continued continuity of trade by implementing such restrictions on the transit of goods. I urge your government to reconsider these actions before nations are forced to respond.
Mr Juncker, I know I just complimented you on this excellent gathering, but there are some items that must be addressed to protect my sanity. Expanded terms for Commissioners is a shady idea at best. We musn't allow for the Commission to be paralysed by inactive and ineffective commissioners and then be stuck with these said people for an extended period of time. Your proposal simply calls for a term that is too long. Furthermore, while I may see the need for a new Internal Affairs building, I'd like to see a detailed cost-benefit analysis for this massive investment, in addition to a comparative CBA done to renovating, expanding, or moving to existing office space.
Pandemic planning is an issue of paramount importance and must be a priority of all EU nations. Recent progress to establish a region-wide health organisation has provided us with an unprecedented means of developing a coordinated and effective response, should such a disaster occur.
I will close by returning to my initial proposition: I am elated at the renewed participation from the attendees in the broader politic during this meeting. This renewed presence has reinforced the ideal of this European project, and the ideas and proposals put forth here (both good and bad) have established a dialogue within our union on issues that we face day in and day out. The words of Archbishop Kligenberg, President Lifejacket, and Mr Straddleclyde all point to one signature point: that there is strength in unity. Together, we are stronger than the sum of our parts, and in the challenges we face today, tomorrow, next week, next month, and so on, we must face them together and stand against common threats and uphold the core values of our peoples and the European Union."
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Juncker stood up and handshaked everybody on the room before talking for the last time. The meeting was as planned, and everyone took part on it. It was a great thing he could add to his merits list. He then started to talk, for the last time, to all those presidents that did or didn't support him:
"Thank you everyone for your closing statements. Today, we have got to many conclusions that lead the European Union to future agreement, to cooperation, to those values the EU take as theirs. Today, we have debated the most important points of the current European Politics, the challenges we will have to face together, united. I know some of you here are not happy with me being the Internal Affairs Commissioner. Some others came here being rude and thinking they ruled this meetings. Others, just doubt about my neutrality. But, at least, we have had a good meeting in which we have been able to meet for once at all.
I would like to thank you all for your assistance. It's been hard, but we have done it. Also, thank you for all of your great words towards me, which I really appreaciate and they motivate me to continue doing my work as well as I can. Today we have learnt about what we want and what we don't want. We can do it together, we just need to cooperate loking to the future. Thank you all, and I hope you the best for the future."
The meeting then ended.
The Kingdom of Spain
