Photo: PAP/EPA/Dirk WaemPrime Minister Donald Tusk has arrived in Brussels for an EU summit concentrating on the ongoing unrest in Libya as well as the Bloc’s common policy towards northern Africa.
Friday’s summit in Brussels is to try and work out a new approach to countries which have been struck by civil unrest. Humanitarian aid for Libya is also on the agenda.
The summit comes as France’s official backing for Libyan rebels has not been met with support throughout the 27-nation bloc, although it has the backing of the European Parliament.
Italy has appealed to other EU members for solidarity and help with accepting immigrants to the bloc, although, again, there is no overwhelming support for Italy’s plea and the EU remains divided on the issue.
EU leaders are appealing to Muammar Gaddafi to immediately relinquish power, and a common declaration is expected to be signed to this effect as a conclusion to today’s meeting.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel underlined that after the bloodshed caused by the civil unrest in Libya, there should be an immediate change of power.
“Gaddafi is not a partner for us for talks and he does not represent his country any more,” Merkel said.
Hungary, which is currently holding the rotating EU presidency, announced that sanctions against the Libyan regime are being prepared.
Euro talks without Poland
Meanwhile, seventeen EU countries which are part of the Eurozone will be taking part in a high-level meeting on the financial crisis and ongoing belt-tightening measures.
The meeting’s agenda is to take into consideration a Franco-German initiative which envisages a pact on competition rules which foresees the coordination of national economies.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in Madrid during an inter-governmental meeting that Poland is prepared to take part in the pact.
Even though the Eurozone summit is closed to members not part of the common currency, that is to be changed in the future for countries aspiring to join the zone. (jb)
Source: PAP/IAR