EU plus

The imprisoned Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, has won the prestigious Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, awarded annually by the European Parliament. The award was announced on Wednesday (20 October). Parliament awards the honorary prize to people and institutions that promote human rights and fundamental freedom of thought.

"The 'Conference on the Future of Europe' was launched in Spring this year to open a new debate with citizens to address Europe's challenges and priorities. Listening to citizens and giving them a say is also highly relevant when it comes to foreign and security policy. Citizens are expecting more from us, so we should heed their call for action and results", EU High Representative Josep Borrell wrote on his blog

Speaking at a press conference after her meeting with Turkish president Recip Tayib Erdogan Mrs Merkel said "Geostrategically, we are attached or dependent on one another; Our peace and security are attached to the other."