In a Committee of the Regions debate with Ronald Plasterk, Dutch Minister of Interior and Kingdom Relations on behalf of the Dutch Presidency, European Alliance Group 1st Vice President and member of the Flemish Parliament,
Karim Van Overmeire said that Schengen was one of the most important achievements of the European Union but the external borders of the European Union must also be protected.
Mr Van Overmeire also said that he welcomed the priorities of the Dutch Presidency for the Urban agenda and said that it was important to note that the "value of EU cities lies in their Identities" a point with which Mr Plasterk wholeheartedly agreed in his response to the EA 1st Vice President. Mr Van Overmeire also called for innovation to be at the heart of promoting business across regions not only in cities but also in rural areas.
