GERMAN PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION - # THE ÜBERSICHT - Erstelesung
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# THE ÜBERSICHT GERMAN PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
#THEÜBERSICHT #THEÜBERSICHT
German Presidency of t he Council of the European Union German Presidency of the Council of the European Union
Message from José Manuel Barroso,
Former President of the European Commission
I very much welcome the German Pres- as Presidency of the Council, myself as
idency of the Council of the European President of the European Commission
Union the second half of 2020. We are and Hans-Gert Pöttering as President of
facing increased and unprecedented the European Parliament, that we created
challenges and threats due to the COV- conditions that made possible the Lisbon
CONTENT ID-19crisis, including its major economic
and social consequences, but also, the
intensification of the global geopolitical
Treaty some months later. This treaty would
not have been possible without German
leadership.
tensions. We in Europe have to be strong-
MESSAGE FROM JOSÉ MANUEL BARROSO.............................................3 er and more united to be able to respond But not only the Chancellor, also the polit-
to these dangers. And as you have seen ical leaders of the main Germany political
FOREWORD BY CHRISTIAN WENNING.....................................................4 in the past, this does not happen automat- forces, German civil servants, diplomats,
ically. Wise and determined leadership academia and the civil society, they are in
GERMANY: RESETTING NATIONAL POLITICS are necessary. general very supportive of the European
Union. And once more, we need a strong
WHILE STEERING EUROPE‘S RECOVERY....................................................5
I know Chancellor Angela Merkel since Germany in the center of Europe to make
GERMANY FACTS&FIGURES........................................................................6 many years. She is a political friend and our EU progress.
I know how committed she is to Europe.
THE CORONA-CONTEXT...............................................................................8 During the last years she was certainly the Difficult files are – among others – the ap-
most influential leader at European level. proval of the Multiannual Financial Frame-
GERMAN EU COUNCIL PRESIDENCY CHECKLIST.....................................9 I remember working with her in very dif- work and the Recovery Plan but also the
ficult settings and how important it was designing a sophisticated strategy for our José Manuel Barroso
PROGRAM OF THE GERMAN PRESIDENCY............................................10 to have her dedication to the European relationship with China. I believe that with President of the European Commission
Union. For instance, when we were in the traditional European commitment of (2004/2009 and 2009/2014)
THE MFF CHALLENGE: DISTRIBUTING 1850 BN EURO......................... 12 despair about negative votes in two ref- Germany, we can have excellent results Prime Minister of Portugal (2002/2004)
erenda to the Constitutional Treaty, it was during this period and that Germany will
EU INTEGRATION PROCESS AND FUTURE OPTIONS............................ 14 working together, elaborating the Berlin put all its weight to make all countries of
Declaration that was signed by herself the EU to come to a consensus.
WHO IS WHO............................................................................................... 15
FURTHER INFORMATION............................................................................18
José Manuel Barroso gave Christian Wenning this statement on June 24th 2020
Version 1 / 24.06.2020
Have you discovered obsolete or incorrect information? Let us know! We are happy to update this overview: mail@erstelesung.de
#THEÜBERSICHT #THEÜBERSICHT
German Presidency of t he Council of the European Union German Presidency of the Council of the European Union
GERMANY:
Foreword by Publisher Christian Wenning RESETTING NATIONAL POLITICS
DEAR READERS, WHILE STEERING EUROPE‘S RECOVERY
Policy based on self-interest is useless strategy-building, and positioning of com- called “Erste Lesung” guarantee specific Angela Merkel (Christian Democratic Un- from those who show no unity. The right- German courts are questioning the rule of
for corporate or public affairs. Whether panies affected by regulation – will be to legislative outcomes, only that your voice ion, CDU) is currently in her fourth term as wing populist party Alternative for Ger- law in the eurozone, the government re-
shareholder value or re-election, regional continue shaping businesses and policies will be heard during the policy-making Federal Chancellor of Germany. Having many (AfD), feeding on growing anti-EU confirmed Germany’s commitment to the
supremacy or short-term financial think- with unprecedented impact. process. New processes and a new way steered Europe’s largest economy during and xenophobic sentiments, became the EU. With plenty of domestic and interna-
ing, we are increasingly aware of the fact of understanding the EU as the center of serious crises, her decisions had a signifi- largest opposition party at the federal tional support, it managed to secure Paris’
that the old rules of politics and business In the coming months this historic EU-pres- hope will arise from this German Presi- cant impact on European integration. This elections in 2017. And democratic majori- goodwill with the French-German recovery
no longer apply. The German Presidency idency equally requires forward thinking, dency. We are proud and eager to help will end soon. Merkel announced and ties are becoming difficult when answers to plan. This agreement comes just before im-
of the EU will remain in the spotlight of his- courage, vigilance, and humility. Under- where we can, and I wish our crisis-proof confirmed: She will not be running for the these challenges are hesitant, as it was to portant negotiations on Europe’s future, for
tory for a long time for a number of rea- standing the challenges and opportunities government with an equally historic chancellorship again. be seen after the state elections in Thuringia which Chancellor Merkel even hinted to-
sons: It is the first presidency to start during of our EU-history and creating a vision for Chancellor Angela Merkel, along with all in 2019. wards a potential treaty change.
the largest economic crisis since WWII, a bold, federalist European future in poli- leaders of the EU, the best of luck and bon The German EU Council Presidency will be
negotiations within the MFF on distribution cy fields previously under national author- courage! her last effort for Europe – and for Germa- Currently, previous conflicts are put on The German EU Council Presidency will be
of funds to stimulate the economy will take ity is an indispensable requirement for the ny, a country in transition. hold. This might cause difficulties when the a huge effort in progressing the European
place on an unparalleled scale, and it is success we all desperately hope for. Have fun reading our little contribution to CDU elects a new party leader in Decem- project, in resetting a frozen conflict in the
even unclear whether in-person meetings understanding politics and please stay safe. Not much of the coming changes is visible ber 2020 and Germany enters the election German political elite, as well as Chancel-
will be possible. Since its founding a decade ago, our firm on the surface: The effective management year 2021. With the Federal Government lor Merkel’s ‘grand finale’. These decisive
has taken an approach of offering added Yours faithfully of the COVID-19 crisis had a stabilizing ef- and Chancellor Merkel in the spotlight months for Europe will have a direct impact
Corporate and public affairs will have value to the decision-making process. We fect on the party landscape. Christian dem- through EU actions, how should candi- on domestic politics: The evaluation will not
to play their role in a way that enables do this by facilitating dialogue through our ocrats regained strength, greens managed dates campaign for themselves as change- only be written in Brussels but in the Berlin
the political decision-makers to bear expertise on the issues at hand. The crisis to hold on to their gains from 2019, coming agents without harming their own country, ballots in 2021.
the incredible burden of confident deci- reminded the European Union that repre- in around 19 per cent, social democrats government or party? Nobody wants to
sion-making despite the tremendous con- senting short-term interests might mean the settled around 16 per cent, while liberals, be blamed for taking advantage of the Eu-
sequences for coming generations. Our end of dialogue when it is needed most. Christian Wenning leftists and the new right-wing experienced ropean crisis management.
job as political consultants – the analysis, Neither our firm, nor the political process Founder, Erste Lesung a certain drop-off in support. Democratic
majorities are possible – on paper. This complexity is certainly not the best
starting point for the years that many expect Szilvia Kalmár
But on a second glance, things look differ- to become the biggest recession since the Director, Erste Lesung
ent: Memories about the backlash suffered Second World War. Where political de-
– especially by people’s parties – in the bates will need to be open and decisions
financial crisis and during the 2015 migra- fast. The Federal Government has decided
tion crisis are haunting. It has been proved to set a clear framework for the years to
over the past five years: Voters back off come: It raised the bets. At a moment when
#THEÜBERSICHT #THEÜBERSICHT
German Presidency of t he Council of the European Union German Presidency of the Council of the European Union
GERMANY FACTS & FIGURES ECONOMY POLITICAL SYSTEM
The Länder hold far-reaching competencies,
for example in the areas of education or police.
DEMOGRAPHICS
345.3 € 16 (LÄNDER)
STATES
BILLION FEDERAL REPUBLIC Legislative process through a
83.1 GDP (2019)
composed as a free democratic
and social constitutional state
two-chamber parliamentary
system on the federal level:
MILLION
+0.6% 41,346€
POPULATION (2019) Bundestag (directly elected parliamentarians)
and Bundesrat (representation of the 16 states)
PARTY LANDSCAPE
CURRENT GDP PER CAPITA
83.3 YEARS GROWTH
(2019)
(2019)
Union parties:
Christian Democratic Union Alternative for HEAD OF
78.5 YEARS TRADE (CDU) and Christian
Social Union (CSU)
Germany (AfD) GOVERNMENT
1,328 1,105
Chancellor
LIFE EXPECTANCY
€ €
Dr. Angela Merkel
Social Free Democratic
BILLION BILLION Democratic Party (FDP) HEAD OF STATE
EXPORTS (2019) IMPORTS (2019) Party (SPD)
1.57
Federal President
Greens Frank-Walter
CHILDREN/WOMAN MAIN TRADING PARTNERS: The Left
(Bündnis 90/ Steinmeier
China, United States of America, (Die Linke)
BIRTH RATE (2019) Die Grünen)
the Netherlands, France, United Kingdom, Italy
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE LARGEST SECTORS BY REVENUE (in Billion): CULTURE & SCIENCE FUN FACTS
German
1,500
Automotive
426€ 300
1,000
MINORITY LANGUAGES industry
Danish, North Frisian, Sater Frisian,
Upper Sorbian, Lower Sorbian, Romanes 226€
Mechanical
engineering industry
84 NOBEL PRIZE
WINNERS TYPES OF TYPES OF
ranging from physics, medicine, chemistry BREAD BEER
196€ Chemical industry to literature and the Nobel peace price
3.9%
TYPES OF
RELIGIONS
192€ Electrical industry
officially recognized universities and colleges, SAUSAGES
28.2% Catholic (28.2%)
Protestant (26%)
179€ Food industry
429
eleven of which are part of the federal
government’s excellence initiative
65% 1
_
3
37%
Muslim (5%)
26% No religion (37%) of GERMAN
Other religions (3.9%) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE Almost half a million people are HIGHWAYS of GERMANY
have no
6.1% (May 2020)
5% employed in the cultural sector is still covered with
speed limit. forest and
woodland.
HISTORY
1871 1914 – 1918 1918 – 1933 1933 – 1945 23rd May 1949 7th October 1949 9th November 1989 3rd October 1990 2005
Founding of the First World War Weimar Republic Nazi Dictatorship Founding of the Founding of the Fall of the Berlin Wall Reunification Angela Merkel is elected
German Empire – Germany’s first 1939 – 1945 Federal Republic German Democratic of Germany Chancellor of Germany
Democracy Second World War of Germany Republic for the first time
If you want to know more about our German perspective on politics, have a look at our weekly bit “In a Krautshell“
#THEÜBERSICHT #THEÜBERSICHT
German Presidency of t he Council of the European Union German Presidency of the Council of the European Union
THE CORONA-CONTEXT GERMAN EU COUNCIL PRESIDENCY
CHECKLIST
EXPECTATIONS ARE SKYROCKETING EVENT HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GERMAN
PRESIDENCY:
The German Presidency will not only have to conclude negotia- We are of course aware that presiden- • Starting the debate on legal condi- • Getting the Council to extend CO2
tions on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and future July & November 2020 cies cannot really be measured by list- tions for standardized secure elements pricing to all sectors and introduce
EU-UK relations but also coordinate Europe's economic recovery Aviation Summit I & II ing achievements from their six months of in smartphones (e.g. for storing digital a moderate minimum price for CO2
and the EU’s response to the economic and social consequences EU transport ministers and top industry representatives glory – especially in light of this particular identities). within the EU ETS.
of the COVID-19-crisis. It will have to address these challenges, discuss “new” climate-friendly and crisis-proof air transport crisis situation. However, should you feel
while also continuing to push for the urgently-needed sustaina- options for Europe. the need for some box-ticking – as we • Reaching council agreement on in- • Linking EU budget funds with Mem-
ble, climate-friendly and digital transformation of the European Germans are known to do – here is a list cluding considerations to global ber State-compliance and rule-of-law
economy. ■ September 2020 Halle, Saxony-Anhalt of pledges contained in the German Pres- competitiveness in the rules of merger standards.
High-Level Conference on Cohesion Policy idency’s program: controls (reform of the EU competition
law). • Agreeing on Introducing a uniform
A HOLISTIC APPROACH October 2020 Berlin • Gradually removing corona-related minimum level of IT security for all de-
High-Level Conference restrictions within the Schengen area / • Adopting some kind of reference vices available on the market.
Berlin’s priorities were rapidly adapted to the new crisis situation. on European Energy Policy for the internal market. document on European research ar-
While other presidencies usually select three or four main topics, eas including “green” hydrogen. Also • Introducing compulsory procedures at
the German EU Council Presidency program takes a rather holis- October 2020 Baden-Baden, Baden-Württemberg • Reaching an agreement on the Re- bringing the necessary market design the EU’s external borders to categorise
tic approach: It wants Europe to become stronger and more inno- High-Level Conference on Artificial Intelligence covery Fund embedded into the for secure and sustainable supply of and examine asylum applications at
vative, as well as just, sustainable, and a safe place that follows and Ethics of Digitalisation Multiannual Financial Framework: CO2-neutral and preferably CO2- an early stage in the course of a pre-
its common values. Furthermore, the German Council Presidency • make it time-limited, free gases into the Council. liminary procedure. This allows for re-
wants the EU to continue playing an important role on the global 15 –16 October 2020 Brussels/Berlin • make it content-focused, fusal of entry in cases with an obvious
stage. ■ Summit of the European Council • include implementation within the • Paving the way for taxing the digital lack of need for protection.
Possible agreement on the Multiannual Financial framework of the European Semester. economy on the basis of the OECD
Framework agreement. • Developing common standards on re-
VIRTUAL VS. LIVE EVENTS • EU-wide contact-tracking and warn- turning illegal migrants to countries of
November 2020 Berlin ing via interoperable tracing and • Getting the Council to agree on a Fi- origin.
Events planned during the German Presidency also had to be High-Level Conferences warning apps. Adopting Council con- nancial Transaction Tax.
adapted to the new conditions. Most highlight events (see on the on Industry Policy and SMEs clusions on the establishment of a code • Adopting a European-African Agenda
right) will be virtual or at least mixed in their format. Initial official The Federal Ministry of Economy and Energy organizes of conduct for the use of health data in • Discussing the instrument for fair mini- at the EU-African Union Summit.
estimates put the Council’s negotiating capacity at around 30 per two high-level conferences to discuss the European single conformity with data protection. mum wages proposed by the Commis-
cent of the normal level. Germany is keen on finding new ways market’s challenges. sion in the Council. • Preparing the accession negotiation
to build compromises in the background – as video conferences • Debating the governance of European frameworks for Albania and Northern
cannot replace face-to-face meetings in the long term. Most 29 November – 1 December 2020 Berlin data spaces & the use of high quality • Concluding the discussion of a Euro- Macedonia.
ministries hope to organize physical meetings from September COSAC Plenary Meeting data sets for digital services within the pean climate law in the Council. The
2020 onwards. ■ Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Council. law is to make the EU’s climate neutral-
Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) – ity binding by 2050.
Plenary meeting, organized by the German Bundestag in • Developing an EU framework for na-
cooperation with the Bundesrat tional basic security systems, discussing • Achieving a decision to increase the
an EU framework for minimum wages EU’s national climate contribution
10 – 11 December 2020 Brussels/Berlin and strengthening the role of the social (NDC) for 2030.
Summit of the European Council partners.
#THEÜBERSICHT #THEÜBERSICHT
German Presidency of t he Council of the European Union German Presidency of the Council of the European Union
PROGRAM OF THE A JUST EUROPE Moreover, it will seek a Council gener- A EUROPEAN UNION
al approach on the Common European CAPABLE OF ACTION
GERMAN PRESIDENCY To strengthen Europe’s social dimension
and social cohesion, the Presidency will
Agricultural Policy. The conclusions on
animal welfare and food labelling should
FOR A PARTNERSHIP-
AND RULE-BASD
advocate for cross-border cooperation be adopted and negotiations on fishing
in vocational training and better working quotas for 2021 should be concluded.
INTERNATIONAL ORDER
EUROPE’S RESPONSE TO A STRONGER AND MORE conditions for seasonal workers. The pro-
THE PANDEMIC INNOVATIVE EUROPE posal for a European Unemployment Re- Regarding consumer protection, the Pres- Germany is committed to a unified, re-
insurance Scheme, as well as an instrument idency intends to develop the new Con- sponsible, and powerful European for-
The Presidency plans to create conditions Secure and trustworthy data infrastructure for fair minimum wages will be further dis- sumer Agenda at an early stage. ■ eign trade. Germany aims to strengthen
for economic recovery in the EU by grad- projects will also be pushed. Germany cussed. multilateral institutions, cooperation with
ually lifting corona-related restrictions. In will encourage the development and use international partners and key players,
order to find a coordinated approach out of Artificial Intelligence and, with an eye The Council plans to adopt conclusions A SECURE EUROPE WITH and the global provision of necessary re-
of the crisis, it aims to establish orderly pro- towards the European Data Policy, focus The slogan of the German on the sharing of work and care between COMMON VALUES sources.
cedures for the EU’s political action and on innovation, data access, responsible Presidency highlights its aim: men and women in partnerships. It also
decision-making. use, data literacy, and security. It empha- plans to significantly strengthen the Euro- Germany will conduct a political dialogue The EU’s policy towards China should be
sizes the importance of using health data Together for pean Youth Work Agenda and the Youth on the rule of law between all Member guided by European common interests
For the recovery to be economically and in conformity with data protection. Dossi- Europe’s recovery Guarantee. States and supports linking EU budget and values. It thus seeks more reciprocity
socially durable, the German Presidency ers on ecodesign, minimum standards for funds to comply with these standards. The in all policy areas and wants to proceed
wants the EU’s financial response to be set the security of IT products as well as liabil- Keeping the Conference on the Future of fight against hate crimes and racism on with negotiations on the investment agree-
up quickly, be “limited in time”, embedded ity rules are also on its agenda. Creating Europe in view, the German Presidency the internet is another important topic on ment. Germany also supports a compre-
in the MFF, and implemented within the legal conditions for standardised secure aims to reach an agreement between the the agenda. Through a holistic approach, hensive partnership with the United King-
framework of the European Semester. It elements in smart devices is also foreseen. Member States on the structure and man- the German Presidency wants to combat dom in which fair competition is ensured
will work to keep markets open, strengthen date by autumn 2020. ■ and report anti-Semitic incidents, as well and the withdrawal agreement is fully
international trade and counteract tenden- EU competition reform and modernization as develop an EU strategy for integrating implemented. Active engagement with the
cies towards protectionism and renation- of European state aid law are to be sup- Sinti and Roma populations. US will be ensured through a broad polit-
alisation. For this, it will consistently imple- plemented by aspects of fair competition A SUSTAINABLE EUROPE ical dialogue and a positive trade agen-
ment the principles of the European Pillar and Green Deal objectives. Competitive- Cross-border cooperation between po- da, and a European-African Agenda
of Social Rights. ness of European SMEs is to be improved, Germany plans to closely coordinate lice, justice, and customs authorities shall shall be adopted. The German Presiden-
and European research areas are to be the implementation of the Green Deal enhance security for the citizens of Eu- cy wants to promote digital skills and da-
The Presidency wants to improve Europe- strengthened. and conclude discussions on the Euro- rope. To this end, regulation preventing ta-driven markets in Africa.
an crisis management and take measures pean climate law. It seeks a decision on distribution of terrorist content online shall
to secure European sovereignty in areas The Presidency will also prioritize the sus- increasing the EU’s national climate con- be concluded swiftly. Germany is also In addition to intensifying European in-
like pharmaceutical supply or other sys- tainability of public finances. Along these tribution by 2030 and conclusions on the striving for increased cooperation in the volvement in management of major inter-
tematically important sectors like agricul- lines, it will implement the OECD’s findings new Environmental Action Plan. It wants field of network and information security. national conflicts, Germany will establish
ture and food. It also wants to protect Eu- on both taxation of the global economy to advance discussions on creating a a European Centre of Competence for
ropean companies from foreign takeovers and effective global minimum taxation. necessary market design for secure and It wants to advance the ambitious reform Civilian Crisis Management in Berlin. It
and to improve e-justice solutions. Deepening the capital market union and sustainable acquisition of CO2-neutral or of a Common European Asylum System. will further develop the Common Security
creating a digital financial market union CO2-free gases, extending CO2 pricing Common standards for repatriation and and Defence Policy and the EU-Asia con-
Germany plans to encourage the “Team are among its aims as well. Finally, the to all sectors, and introducing a moder- cooperation with countries of origin, host, nectivity strategy, and promote or launch
Europe” approach, fostering joint commit- Presidency will support the introduction of ate minimum price for CO2 within the EU and transit shall be developed. Also, an a modernization agenda for the World
ment by all EU institutions and Member a Financial Transaction Tax. ■ Emissions Trading Scheme. early operationalisation of the Frontex Trade Organization. ■
States to overcome the crisis. It also wants mandate is intended to ensure the effec-
to ensure an active European role in glob- tive protection of the external borders. ■
al health in the future. ■
#THEÜBERSICHT #THEÜBERSICHT
German Presidency of t he Council of the European Union German Presidency of the Council of the European Union
THE MFF CHALLENGE:
DISTRIBUTING 1850 BN EURO
ENVISIONED TIMELINE TASK OF THE GERMAN EU COUNCIL PRESIDENCY
By July 2020 Reaching an agreement among Member The more complicated,
„THE INITIAL SITUATION IS ANYTHING BUT EASY (…) HOW DOES THE EU IN- European Council: Political agreement States on the distribution of the money. the easier to agree?
THIS FUND IS AN URGENT IMPERATIVE!“ TEND TO FINANCE THIS? on Multiannual Financial Framework
Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor of Germany 2014 – 2020 & 2021 – 2027 and Questions still to be answered: Finding a compromise will be a tough
1. With „own resources“: Gross-national- Own Resources Decision nut to crack. Germany, however, hopes
income-based (GNI-based)-based • The size of the financial package: that the new complexity of the € 1850 bn
Starting point: 1.850.000.000.000 € contribution of the Member States, Some Member States still question the package will somehow make an agree-
By summer 2020
1.100 bn € original budgetary plan + customs duties & sugar levies, VAT- European Parliament’s consultation on 750 bn € additional funding, while ment easier. Some arguments are:
750 bn € recovery fund „Next Generation EU“ based resources Own Resources Decision in the view of the southern Member
All included into the structure of the MFF States it is “not negotiable”. • The massive additional funding of the
Challenge: Early autumn 2020 cohesion policy instruments could
With the UK having left the EU and the Adoption of the revised Multiannual • The share of grants and loans within please the Member States usually pro-
budget not becoming smaller, every Financial Framework 2014 – 2020 + the Next Generation EU funds: The tecting this budget line against restruc-
Cohesion&Values member state will need to pay more. The corresponding sectoral legislation EU Commission proposed EUR 500 turing.
610 bn 984.5 bn German contribution is likely to increase billion in grants and EUR 250 billion
by over 40 per cent. October 2020 in loans, but this is questioned by the • The limited liability and the temporary
European Council ‘Frugal Four’1. structure of the EU borrowings could
Natural Resources & open room for compromise with the
45 bn 402 bn
Environment 2. With the Commission being allowed December 2020 • The timeframe for repaying debt the EU Thrifty Four.
to borrow 750 bn € from the market: Adoption of the revised Multiannual incurred through issuing bonds
Single Market, exceptional and temporary (reim- Financial Framework 2021 – 2027 A Germany-specific detail:
69.8 bn 210.5 bn
Innovation & Digital bursement via EU budget until 2065) (European Parliament’s consent) • The criteria for allocating resourc-
Adoption of the Own Resources es and the distribution keys between All 27 national parliaments and the EP
Neighbourhood & Challenges: Decision (Ratification by all Member Member States have to agree on the compromise. The
118.2 bn
the World • Tensions arise: EU borrowing requires States in line with their constitutional Bundestag usually is rough terrain when it
15.5 bn a flexible interpretation of the treaties. • New own resources proposed by the comes to EU bonds and common debts.
requirements)
European Public Commission
74.6 bn
Administration • Expensive liability: Member States are January 2021 The German parliament, however, will
liable for this debt in proportion to their Multiannual Financial Framework 2021 • The abolition or withdrawal of the find itself in a political dilemma: If Ger-
Migration & percentage share of the GNI contribu- – 2027 implementation starts budget rebates introduced at that time many (as the Presidency) negotiates the
31.1 bn
Border Management tion to own resources. for the five net contributors due to the compromise, its rejection by the Bunde-
British rebate stag would not only reflect poorly on the
Resilience, Security & • Member States and the EU will have to German government, but also on Germa-
29.1 bn
Defense pay off their debt, cope with the eco- ny’s European performance.■
9.7 bn nomic recession and ensure (perhaps
even new rules for) fiscal discipline in
Multiannual Financial Framework Next Generation EU parallel.
1 Four member states (Austria, Denmark,
The Netherlands, Sweden) who oppose issuing
debt to bail out hardest hit nations.
#THEÜBERSICHT #THEÜBERSICHT
German Presidency of t he Council of the European Union German Presidency of the Council of the European Union
EU INTEGRATION PROCESS AND FUTURE OPTIONS WHO IS WHO?
1952 (Treaty of Paris) WHERE PATHS
“WE LAYED THE FOUNDATIONS...” WE CAME WE COULD Political Parties:
By establishing the European Coal and Steel
Community we demonstrated the economic FROM TAKE European Council CDU Christian Democratic Union
and political benefits of European cooperation
after the devastations of World War II.
Chair DE Representative CSU Christian Social Union
6 FOUNDING MEMBERS:
France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands,
2009 ECONOMIC AND
DEBT CRISIS
1 KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON SPD Social Democratic Party
The current status in the EU and division of CDU
Luxembourg, Italy
Creation of Economic Stability Mechanism competencies between the EU and Member
States would remain. No changes would be Council Configurations:
(ESM) and debates over more fiscal policy
1958 (Treaties of Rome) integration needed in the treaties. The EU would respond AGRIFISH: EYCS: Education, Youth,
“... THEN ECONOMY DROVE US to challenges according to the existing treaties Agriculture and Fisheries Culture and Sport
and competences, as it currently is during the
CLOSER...” 2015 MIGRATION CRISIS COMPET: FAC: Foreign Affairs
Corona crisis.
It worked out well and we decided Competitiveness
New Frontex mandate for common external GAC: General Affairs
to create a common market.
border control and reform of the common ECOFIN: Economic and
Financial Affairs JHA: Justice and Home Affairs
asylum and migration policy
1973 – 1986
“... AND EVEN NEW MEMBER
2 MULTI-SPEED EUROPE
CHARLES ANGELA
ENVI: Environment TTE: Transport, Telecommuni-
cations and Energy
2016 – 2020 BREXIT Only the Member States who are willing to EPSCO: Employment,
STATES JOINED! ...” MICHEL MERKEL Social Policy, Health
cooperate in a policy area (e.g. Schengen
United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark (1973); In a UK-wide referendum in 2016, area), develop common policies. Others, and Consumer Affairs
Federal Chancellor
Greece (1981); Spain and Portugal (1986) 52 per cent voted to leave the EU. The who are not willing to cooperate, do not take
withdrawal agreement was negotiated and the advantage of the deeper integration, but can
UK left the EU on 31 January 2020. join at a later stage.
1987 (The Single European Act
(SEA))
2020 CORONA CRISIS
FAC
“...NOTHING COULD STOP US! ...”
We aimed to complete the single market and
created the European political cooperation on
Challenges on coherent crisis response
and more European sovereignty in 3 DEEPENING INTEGRATION Chair DE Representative Trade
foreign policy. key areas (health, industry, digitalisation) With this option, Member States would
decide to cooperate closer. It was, above all, SPD CSU CDU CDU
the Corona crisis which stimulated debates
1993 (Maastricht Treaty) on more and deeper integration within
“... SO WE CREATED THE EU...” AND HERE the EU. It remains to be seen whether the
economic shock and health crisis will bring
Two additional areas of cooperation have been
established: the Common Foreign and Security
WE ARE NOW deeper integration in – for example – fiscal
Policy (CSFP) and Justice and Home Affairs and macroeconomic policies. Treaties would
(JHA). We also cleared the way for an economic need to be changed for this scenario.
and monetary union (EMU).
1995 – 2013
“...IT WAS A HIT!...”
NEW TREATY? JOSEPH HEIKO GERD ANNEGRET PETER
CONFERENCE ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE
Austria, Sweden and Finland (1995); Poland, BORELL MAAS MÜLLER KRAMP- ALTMAIER
Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia,
Several open questions of European integration are showing in the direction of a treaty KARRENBAUER
Latvia, Lithuania, Cyprus and Malta (2004); Federal Minister Federal Minister for Federal Minister
Bulgaria and Romania (2007); Croatia (2013) change. The Conference on the Future of Europe is in the center of attention in this regard. of Foreign Affairs Economic Cooperation Federal Minister of Economics and Energy
and Development of Defence
In order to find a workable solution to the most important issues, the German EU Council
2002 Presidency wants to focus on a limited number of questions and wants to suggest an agenda
“... THE EURO MADE SENSE...” accordingly. Chancellor Merkel announced possible topics such as: reform of the Schengen
We introduced Euro coins and banknotes, and system, new competition policy rules, an EU system for pandemic control, and the creation of
19 member states have adopted the common
currency already. a European Security Council.
So, all eyes are on you now. If you have a preference
2009 (Treaty of Lisbon) about the future of Europe, prepare to speak up!
“...WE SUFFERED A FIRST HICKUP...”
Some of us did not support the idea of a ALL EYES ON YOU
“Constitutional Treaty” so a new EU Reform
Treaty was signed including new areas for
majority decisions.
#THEÜBERSICHT #THEÜBERSICHT
German Presidency of t he Council of the European Union German Presidency of the Council of the European Union
>WHO IS WHO? >WHO IS WHO?
JHA ENVI AGRIFISH GAC EYCS
Justice Home Affairs Education Youth Culture Sports
SPD CSU SPD CDU SPD CDU SPD CDU SPD CSU
CHRISTINE HORST SVENJA JULIA MICHAEL ANJA FRANZISKA PROF. MONIKA MICHELLE HORST
LAMBRECHT SEEHOFER SCHULZE KLÖCKNER ROTH KARLICZEK GIFFEY GRÜTTERS MÜNTEFERING SEEHOFER
Federal Minister of Justice Federal Minister of the Federal Minister for the En- Federal Minister for Minister of State for Europe Federal Minister of Federal Minister for Family Representative of the Minister of State for Federal Minister of the
and Consumer Protection Interior, Building and vironment, Nature Conser- Nutrition and Agriculture at the Federal Foreign Office Education and Research Affairs, Senior Citizens, Federal Government for International Cultural Policy Interior, Building and
Community vation and Nuclear Safety Women and Youth Culture and Media at the Federal Ministry of Community
Foreign Affairs
COMPET ECOFIN TTE EPSCO COREPER CHAIRS
Space Research Telcom & Energy Transport Social Affairs Health Consumer Protection
CDU CDU SPD CDU CSU SPD CDU SPD
PETER ANJA OLAF PETER ANDREAS HUBERTUS JENS CHRISTINE MICHAEL SUSANNE
ALTMAIER KARLICZEK SCHOLZ ALTMAIER SCHEUER HEIL SPAHN LAMBRECHT CLAUSS SZECH-
KOUNDOUROS
Federal Minister Federal Minister of Federal Minister of Finance Federal Minister Federal Minister of Transport Federal Minister of Federal Minister for Health Federal Minister of Justice Permanent Representative
of Economics and Energy Education and Research of Economics and Energy and Digital Infrastructure Labour and Social Affairs and Consumer Protection Ambassador of Germany Deputy Permanent
to the EU Representative to the EU
FURTHER INFORMATION
OFFICIAL WEBSITE POLITICO REUTERS
Germany’s Presidency of the Council of 3 MAY 2020 15 JUNE 2020
the European Union: Together for Europe’s
recovery German ‘corona presidency’ plan pivots Germany, preparing EU presidency,
to crisis management wants more reciprocity with China
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
29 MAY 2020 EURACTIV BLOOMBERG TAX
17 JUNE 2020 18 JUNE 2020
A brief explanation of Germany’s Pres-
idency of the Council of the European Trio-presidency programme: A relay with Germany Backs Continuing Digital Tax
Union a German sprint Talks, Official Says
FEDERAL FOREIGN DEUTSCHE WELLE POLITICO
OFFICE 18 JUNE 2020 30 MAY 2020
29 APRIL 2020
Merkel urges EU unity to counter corona- Back off, Trump. Germany wants to Make
German Presidency committed to fighting virus crisis Europe Strong Again
coronavirus while tackling the issues that
will define our future
UNDERSTANDING POLITICS
ENVISIONING THE FUTURE
ANALYSIS, STRATEGY
POSITIONING
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