Schaldemose: EU wants to see P20 programme continue as part of G20

KLEINMOND - The perceived decline of multilateralism has been a major talking point at this week’s G20 gathering of parliamentary speakers.

But the European parliament’s vice president, Christel Schaldemose, says the European Union (EU) remains committed to cooperating internationally with the rule of law and the United Nations Charter at its centre.

She said that platforms like the P20 illustrate that countries are still prepared to meet each other to discuss pressing issues of the time.

Although the next G20 host, the United States, was not present at this week’s G20 gathering held in Kleinmond due to Washington’s budget shutdown, Schaldemose said the EU would like to see the meeting of parliamentary speakers retained on next year’s programme.

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza said this week she believes multilateralism was under severe threat and was currently at its lowest level.

But speaking to EWN on the sidelines of the P20, Schaldemose believes all is not lost.

"We believe, I believe, the European Union and European Parliament believe that parliamentarians can play a crucial role in upholding (multilateralism), to ensure we still have multilateralism."

Schaldemose said the European Union wants to see the P20 programme continue as part of the G20, with early indications from the US that it will be focusing next year’s presidency on finance-related matters.

"Let’s wait and see. We might be pleasantly surprised by the Americans. For us, it’s important to keep having this forum, to discuss and have the dialogue. We might not agree on everything but the fact that we can sit and talk to each other, that’s what matters."

Schaldemose praised the South African Parliament for the inclusion of delegations from other countries, particularly from Africa, who are not part of the G20 bloc in this week’s 11th G20 parliamentary summit.

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