Post-Covid recovery the focus for Germany's EU presidency
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(BERLIN) - Germany took over the presidency of the EU Council from Wednesday 1 July, with key priorities being climate action, digital sovereignty and Europe's role in the world, alongside post-Covid-19 recovery.
"This is a duty that I am looking forward to immensely, and that the entire German government is looking forward to," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel: "Europe needs us, just as we need Europe - not only as a historical legacy, which we were given as a present, but as a project that will lead us into the future."
An EU presidency is responsible for driving forward the Council's work on EU legislation, ensuring the continuity of the EU agenda, orderly legislative processes and cooperation among member states. The presidency is expected to act as an honest and neutral broker.
This presidency's motto is: "Together for Europe's recovery". Its programme focuses on six main areas:
- overcoming the consequences of the coronavirus crisis for the long-term 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 Council of the EU says it will focus directly on overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fighting the spread of the virus, supporting the European economy to recover and reinforcing social cohesion in Europe.
In order to achieve this, Germany is committed to joint approved action, European solidarity and common values.