EU representatives sign declaration of priorities

Top representatives of three European institutions signed a joint declaration on the EU's legislative priorities for 2017 in Strasbourg on Tuesday. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico signed the document on behalf of the Slovak Presidency of the EU Council and the two other signatures were added by European Parliament President Martin Schulz and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. "This is a historic moment, as for the first time we're signing a joint declaration regarding legislative priorities," said Fico. The priorities set for 2017 are as follows: giving a new boost to jobs, growth and investment; addressing the social dimension of the EU; better protecting EU citizens' security; reforming the EU's migration policy; delivering on a digital single market; and building an energy union and a forward looking climate change policy. Moreover, the Council, Parliament and Commission also want to focus on common European values, fighting tax fraud, preserving the principle of free movement and reinforcing stability, security and peace in Europe. All of the three institutions agreed to closely monitor the fulfilment of the declaration.