North Korea: PES underlines need for common EU response

North Korea: PES underlines need for common EU response

After the emergency meeting called this week by High Representative Federica Mogherini, EU countries issued a joint statement condemning North Korea’s provocative actions and committing to reach out to North and South Korea, the USA, China, Russia and Japan.

PES president Sergei Stanishev said:

“The European Union exists because European countries have recognised that there are some challenges we can’t solve alone. Together we have created an area of security and peace within our borders for more than 60 years.

“But every generation brings new challenges around the world. The current escalation of tensions between the US and North Korea is dangerous. We need to show that Europe can continue to be a beacon of peace and common sense in security and defence matters — especially when the rhetoric of other world powers becomes increasingly inflamed.”