On 1 July, the Germany formally took over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, taking over the position from Croatia. As part of this, Germany published its programme of work, outlining its priorities during its six-month tenure, setting out the following guiding principles:
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Overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic permanently, as well as the economic recovery
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A stronger and more innovative Europe
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A fair Europe
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A sustainable Europe
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A Europe of security and common values
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A strong Europe in the world.
The German Presidency has identified ensuring the rapid conclusion of the negotiations on the EU’s multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the period from 2021 to 2027 as a key priority. Specifically, it has noticed that the MFF must be geared to the current challenges in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst also addressing the long term strategic goals of the European Union. Full details of the programme of work for the German Presidency can be found at: https://www.eu2020.de/eu2020-en/programme
