Online Event: ‘Berlin Calling: 6 Months to Lead the Union’

All eyes on Germany as it takes over the Council Presidency, in particularly challenging times: fighting the pandemic, practising solidarity in the economic crisis, and living up to our ambition to become a global player – these are just the most pressing challenges the Council Presidency will have to deal with.

Europe is facing the biggest economic crisis since its foundation, with member states having to agree on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF). Although the Presidency will be dominated by monetary discussions, Germany will also take on the issues of the environment, migration and Brexit 2.0.

Can the EU step up its game and shoulder joint debts, while simultaneously designing the new budget in such a way that it serves as an investment in the future and not as a return of old debts? How can the Rule of Law be strengthened while we need unanimity on the budget? And how can we tackle EU-China relations?