During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (08-10 July 2020), Angela MERKEL, German Federal Chancellor presents the programme of activities of the German Presidency.

Brussels

statement

debate

plenary session

EU - Germany (T)

MERKEL, Angela (DE)

German Presidency of the EU (T)

Multiannual financial framework 2021-2027 (T)

European Green Deal (T)

negotiations on future EU-UK relations (T)

Presentation of the programme of activities of the German Presidency: extracts from the opening statement by Angela MERKEL, German Federal Chancellor

Title: Presentation of the programme of activities of the German Presidency: extracts from the opening statement by Angela MERKEL, German Federal Chancellor 

General view of the chamber, arrival of Angela MERKEL, 3 shots

SOUNDBITE (German), Angela MERKEL, German Federal Chancellor, It is with Europe that we can maintain our freedoms. And so more than ever before, we need to focus on fundamental rights. We need mutual assistance and support, solidarity, a community spirit. Europe will only be safeguarded if we offer innovative responses to the challenges of climate change, digitalisation and to our responsibility in the world. Those are the huge challenges facing us.

SOUNDBITE (German), Angela MERKEL, German Federal Chancellor, The pandemic has made clear to all how valuable fundamental rights are, how basic our freedoms are, how essential they are. We must safeguard those fundamental rights. And to that end. Europe needs strong institutions, the Commission, the Court of Justice and the European Parliament.

SOUNDBITE (German), Angela MERKEL, German Federal Chancellor, European solidarity is not just a humanitarian gesture. It is a sustainable investment. European solidarity isn't just a political imperative. It is well worth our while. It will yield benefits. And that is the leitmotiv of our presidency, Together for Europe's recovery. I will work together with the German government and invest great passion to that end.

SOUNDBITE (German), Angela MERKEL, German Federal Chancellor, The top priority in the German presidency will be unity in Europe to ensure that Europe emerges more united from the crisis. But we don't just want a short term fix. That would not be enough. We want a Europe that offers hope, that is confident and brave in tackling the challenges of the current day. We want a future proofed Europe innovative, sustainable Europe that can take its place in the world.

SOUNDBITE (German), Angela MERKEL, German Federal Chancellor, We want to to see a stronger Europe. And this prompted the Franco-German proposal mid-May together with Emmanuel Macron, the French president. I suggested to a European recovery fund of 500 billion euro. I am delighted to note that the European Commission has taken on board many facets of that Franco-German proposal in its MFF proposal and proposal for a recovery fund that will be discussed now at the European Council, under the leadership of Charles Michel, we want to reach agreement swiftly.

SOUNDBITE (German), Angela MERKEL, German Federal Chancellor, It's very important that we have climate neutrality in Europe by 2050 and that must be made legally binding. I welcome the commission's thinking to set targets for 2030 and increase those targets to 50-55 percent compared to 1990 levels. We will also support work on the European climate law.

SOUNDBITE (German), Angela MERKEL, German Federal Chancellor, We need a commitment to digitalisation and climate protection. That doesn't mean that we will sweep away everything and endanger the jobs of millions of Europeans. Quite the opposite. This is a much needed change. Reform of our society is an economist that will offer greater protection and employment.

SOUNDBITE (German), Angela MERKEL, German Federal Chancellor, We need a strong European foreign and security policy. One key partner will remain the United Kingdom. We need to shape our future relationship and that will keep us busy over the next six months. Progress in negotiations thus far have been slim to put it diplomatically. We've agreed with the United Kingdom to accelerate the pace of talks, to reach an agreement by autumn, an agreement that could be ratified by the end of the year. I will continue to push for a good solution, but we should also prepare for a possible no deal scenario.

SOUNDBITE (German), Angela MERKEL, German Federal Chancellor, Ludwig von Beethoven will be commemorated in December. Whenever I listen to his music, I discover something new that really touches me. The same can be said of Europe. We rediscover it new each and every day, and I'm always impressed by Europe. So I would finish up by referring to the message of Beethoven's music, and I hope that that will guide us into the future. What a better message is there than his. Europe is capable if we stick together and if we stand united. Thank you very much.

Applause and chamber standing up after speech, 5 shots