EU news: MEPs snub Juncker and Bettel's pro-EU rhetoric in Strasbourg
EbS EU news: MEPs avoid Xavier Bettel plenary session in Strasbourg
Images of the chamber almost appeared eerie as one MEP described how you could hear a pin drop amongst the empty seats deserted by the European Parliament’s representatives as discussions were held on the future of Europe. Mr Bettel, a keen supporter of further European Union integration, kicked off proceedings telling the European Parliament EU benefits have been taken for granted and will bring reward to everyone who invests in their enhancement. He said: “It is in the interest of European states to strengthen the community and speed up the process towards a European Union, exactly in those areas where citizens are calling for it.” The Luxembourg prime minister was joined by Mr Juncker who called for a fight against “rampant populism” on the Continent.
Who really wants to sit for two hours and listen to someone say how brilliant the EU is when it's failing Amjad Bashir
He said: “In a year’s time, European citizens would have voted in a new European Parliament. “Nobody can second guess what shape it will take it will be different to this parliament, for some of my people that is a source of concern. “Let’s stand up against the rampant populism that we are seeing in Europe, in all countries, including mine, But Luxembourg people are by and large, wise. “It is not a large movement but it is a containable movement.”
But their comments fell on largely deaf, according to Conservative MEP Amjad Bashir, who revealed only around “40-50” of his parliamentary counterparts had turned up. The European Parliament boasts over 751 MEPs, and in July 2017, Mr Juncker lashed out at the “totally ridiculous” EU institution after seeing the Hemicycle chamber virtually empty for a talk by Maltese prime minister Joseph Muscat. Mr Juncker argued if Emmanuel Macron or Angela Merkel were there to address MEPs there would have been almost full attendance. With Wednesday’s scenes reminiscent of Mr Muscat’s appearance, Mr Bashir suggested it could be because people are growing tired of the usual pro-EU rhetoric.