Germany: Merkel wants EU response to rise to coronavirus crisis

German Chancellor Angela Merkel: "The current situation is not simple". AFP / Bernd Von Jutrczenka / Pool

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The European Council will meet tomorrow, Friday 19 June, by videoconference, the Heads of State and Government of the 27 member countries of the European Union (EU). German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke to the Bundestag on June 18.

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On the agenda of this Council will be the response to the economic and financial crisis created by the coronavirus pandemic. Agreement must be reached on the medium-term budget of the European Union but also on the recovery plan of 750 billion euros presented by the Commission.

Central role in Germany

On 1 July 2020, Germany takes over the EU presidency and will therefore have a central role to play. Angela Merkel spoke to the Bundestag this morning about this: "  We will ," said the Chancellor, "be responsible when the European Union has to overcome the greatest challenge in its history." Our presidency in the second half of the year is such an important challenge for the German government. "

I am delighted ," said Merkel again, " that the European Commission has presented its recovery plan in which we find many points of the Franco-German initiative. Faced with the urgency of the moment, I wish to reach a European agreement as quickly as possible. "

 Not simple  ” situation

 The current situation is not simple , admits the German Chancellor. But I hope that all the Member States will commit themselves to finding a compromise and a response that is up to this historic crisis. Ideally we should find an agreement before the summer break. The European Council of tomorrow, a videoconference, should allow a first exchange between the member countries. Many consultations will follow. Decisions can only be taken at another European Council where we will meet physically in Brussels , concludes Merkel"

Read also: EU: intra-European borders are gradually starting to reopen

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