During the plenary session (14-17 September 2020) in the European Parliament in Brussels, Ursula VON DER LEYEN delivers the State of the European Union (SOTEU 2020) before the MEPs. Opening statement by Michael ROTH, German Minister of State for Europe and President in office of the Council of the European Union. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

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ROTH, Michael (DE)

state of the Union 2020 (T)

State of the European Union debate: Opening statement by Michael ROTH, German Presidency of the Council of the EU

SOUNDBITE (Original), Michael ROTH, German Federal Minister of State for Europe and President in office of the Council of the EU, Thank you very much. President Gentleman Ladies nad Commission of the President. In a world that's been shaken up by a crisis in which nationalism and populism are showing the ugly face in which democracy is under pressure, and democracy is all about whether or not Europe can stand fast.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Michael ROTH, German Federal Minister of State for Europe and President in office of the Council of the EU, Today, president of the commission, you presented an optimistic vision of Europe, which is looking towards the future. And you have our support for that. Madam President, I'm sure you will not have expected that the council will support all of your proposals unreservedly.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Michael ROTH, German Federal Minister of State for Europe and President in office of the Council of the EU, But it is important that in this very difficult time of crisis, we send a very clear signal of cohesion and that we stand together. And obviously, part of that is being able to fight. We're ready to do that. All institutions, the council, the commission, parliament, have our responsibility to share. But at the end, it is clear that we have to go in the same direction and we have to be able to agree on the basic points of principle.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Michael ROTH, German Federal Minister of State for Europe and President in office of the Council of the EU, Madam President. Let me assure you that we have the greatest interest in rapid conclusion of the largest financial recovery package in the in Europe's history that we wish to support that because in this crisis, we're still in the middle of it. People have suffered so much and help has to reach those who most need it. And it has to happen without delay.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Michael ROTH, German Federal Minister of State for Europe and President in office of the Council of the EU, However, President and here to have our support, it is not just about investing in what we've always invested in. No, it's about further new development, new growth for Europe, taking into account social and environmental factors as well.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Michael ROTH, German Federal Minister of State for Europe and President in office of the Council of the EU, And that's why you have our full support in strengthening digitisation and climate protection. In fact, climate protection shows clearly that in our society there still major fears and concerns. That's why we need a socially fair climate protection.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Michael ROTH, German Federal Minister of State for Europe and President in office of the Council of the EU, And here, you too, have support, Madam President, that we wish to strengthen social cohesion in Europe. The German presidency will support to that when it comes to creating EU Framework work for minimum wage that we will support you because populists are always saying that climate protection kills jobs.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Michael ROTH, German Federal Minister of State for Europe and President in office of the Council of the EU, No, that's not true. Climate protection will secure our future or intead jobs. But it has to be fair. Climate protection and you have our support for that.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Michael ROTH, German Federal Minister of State for Europe and President in office of the Council of the EU, The EU, as you very said, clearly is not first and foremost an internal market. We are first and above all, a community based on values and the rule of law and this community of values. And the law applies across the board to everyone.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Michael ROTH, German Federal Minister of State for Europe and President in office of the Council of the EU, And here we support to on building a stronger community of values and the rule of law. We support the introduction of the rule of law conditionality. We support you in building a Rule of Law report, which were waiting for the end of September. You have our support Madam President.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Michael ROTH, German Federal Minister of State for Europe and President in office of the Council of the EU, But in this crisis, shaken world that we should speak with one voice. You've mentioned the major global players, Russia, China, others as well. The most effective means against the poison of division is standing together. Is unity that we're able to bring together opposing positions.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Michael ROTH, German Federal Minister of State for Europe and President in office of the Council of the EU, Obviously, that's difficult at the council. It's difficult in all institutions. But we are prepared to do what it what we need. Madam Commissioner, you have a support in building on immigration and asylum policy based on shared responsibility, solidarity and humanity, because migration and fleeing is not just something that is for the individual member state to tackle.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Michael ROTH, German Federal Minister of State for Europe and President in office of the Council of the EU, But no, it is a global matter that the EU as a tackled together Europe is the place where we can all be different without fear. It's not about religion where you come from, who you believe in. Only one thing counts here that you champion these values that Europe stands for. And it is only in this way that Europe will survive and we will do what we can to support you. Thank you very much.