The motto of the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union is “Together we make Europe stronger again”, which hides a number of political priorities behind it. In the long run, the goal is to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and revitalize the economy. Among other priorities are to create a stronger and innovative Europe, a more equitable Europe, a more sustainable Europe, a Europe of security and common values and a powerful Europe in the world, Germany’s Ambassador in Chisinau Angela Ganninger stated in a news conference at IPN.
The ambassador said Germany’s priority is to cooperate with all the institutions and member states of the EU. Germany’s Presidency of the EU Council can lay particular content emphasis. The program was worked out taking into account the COVID-19 pandemic. This affected all the areas, including the future decisions concerning finances. Germany is to come to terms with the other states as to the financial framework for 2021-2027 and the support for the €6bn recovery package. The situation should not only return to the state before the pandemic. The current context should be used as a chance for innovation.
As the President of the Council of the EU, Germany will place emphasis on the environmental and climate policy, on digital transformation. The unity of the states is needed for overcoming the pandemic in a coordinated way. “This week, together with Team Europe, we donated goods to the value of €3 million to the Republic of Moldova. This is what I meant by responsibility and action capacity,” stated the ambassador.
The official noted the consolidation of domestic markets is also important for economic recovery. Germany pleads for keeping the markets open and for consolidating trade and investments based on the international norms. High-level technology and excellence in digitization are also needed. Transport should meet the ecological requirements of time.
An equitable Europe means the long-term prospects of the young people, consolidation of these prospects and offering of possibilities to them so that there is solidarity between generations. A mechanism for protecting seasonal workers in the EU, including Moldovans, is to be designed within the EU.
Gendered equality, equal pay for equal work and equality of chances and also the women who must be protected from violence are also important. A democratic Europe needs the involvement of active civil society and cultural and media diversity, stated Angela Ganninger.
The rule of law, which is a basic precondition for protecting the values, basic human rights and freedoms, is needed to build a Europe of common values. It is also important to ensure the persons’ access to correct information. Racism, anti-Semitism and hate crime should be combated. “In general, Germany within the EU supports multilateralism and order based on norms. A conclusive example is Germany’s commitment in the Alliance for Multilateralism that was launched together with France. Moldova is invited to join this initiative,” said the ambassador.
Germany holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU during July 1 – December 31, 2020.
