Chancellor Merkel presented Europe the priorities of the German Presidency

Brussels, 8 July 2020 - The German Chancellor Angela Merkel presented today, at the European Parliament, the priorities of the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU).  

MEPs discussed reconstruction and negotiations on the EU budget with the President of the Council, Charles Michel. The Greens/EFA group also asked the German Presidency to make the European Green Deal and climate protection the engine for job creation and recovery and for launching a rule of law initiative.

“The German Presidency of the Council of the EU arrives at a time of great challenges marked by the coronavirus pandemic, of climate protection and when the rule of law in the EU is being challenged;” considers MEP Francisco Guerreiro. 

According to the German presidency itself, guided by the motto “Together for Europe’s recovery”, its priorities lie in six main areas: 

-overcoming the long-term consequences of the coronavirus pandemic; as well as economic and social recovery

-a stronger and more innovative Europe

-a fair Europe

-a sustainable Europe

-a Europe of security and common values

-a strong Europe in the world

The German presidency of the EU Council will focus directly on overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, fighting the spread of the virus, supporting the European economy in its recovery and strengthening social cohesion in Europe. 

In addition to overcoming the consequences of the pandemic, the German Presidency is prepared to help finalize the terms of the EU's future relationship with the United Kingdom and to intensify negotiations on climate change, digitization and Europe's role in the world.

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