New Euro President to force EU members to SHARE asylum seeker numbers

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Tajani will replace Schulz as European Parliament president

Mr Tajani, who was voted in as the new president to replace Martin Schulz, will put migration rules at the top of his to-do list, as well as Brexit negotiations and rescuing EU trade policy as deals are in a dire state.

The Italian politician, from the centre-right European People’s Party group – headed by Jean-Claude Juncker, is an ex-European commissioner and has taken over from Germany’s Martin Schulz.

He is set to reform the EU’s migration rules in an overhaul of the Common European Asylum System, including the possibility of introducing common procedures for asylum claims and a way of allocation asylum seekers between EU countries.

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Tajani faces migrations and security issues as he takes on the role

May's Brexit speech: Europe reacts
Tue, January 17, 2017

Politicians and celebrities tweet their reaction as Theresa May unveils her 12 point plan for Britain leaving the EU.

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The British Prime Minister Delivers Her Brexit Speech

You decide together the direction in which we go and how we give shape to these changes

Antonio Tajani

The new president has pledged to support the reforms for the Schengen Information System, which is used by EU countries to track criminals.

One of his first tests will be navigating the EU-Canada trade deal through Parliament.

Mr Tajani will be dealing with the decision to grant market economy status to China, according to the World Trade Organisation agreements.

He has committed himself to being a neutral president who does not predetermine the outcome of decisions.

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Tajani is an ally of Berlusconi

He said: “It is not for the European Parliament president to push a political agenda.

“As European Parliament president, I commit myself to being neutral, serving all Europeans.”

This comment is thought to be a direct dig at Martin Schulz, who was known for meddling in the policy work of the European Parliament.

Mr Tajani has said to MEPs: “You decide together the direction in which we go and how we give shape to these changes.

“The winner should ensure that this is done in an open and transparent manner without predetermining the outcome of decisions.”

Any Brexit deal will need to be approved by parliament on top of member states.

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