Merkel wants to leave a mark with the German Presidency of the European Union

Text by: RFI Follow

Germany began its presidency of the European Union on Wednesday, July 1, facing historic challenges, such as the impact of the coronavirus, with the hope for Angela Merkel to complete her entry into the European Pantheon.

Publicity

This is a real turnaround for Berlin. During the financial cry, Germany had become the whipping father, even the gravedigger of Europe. But today, many in Brussels and in European capitals live the German presidency which begins as a relief, notes Anissa El Jabri, of the international service of RFI.

The chancellor and her team had been preparing this deadline for months, the first for Berlin since 2007 and one of the last opportunities for the German leader to shine on the international scene before her political retirement scheduled for the end of 2021. Reorganization of the Union budget after the Brexit, a great ecological pact, redefining European migration policy or even a plan to prepare Europe for digitization ... There was no shortage of projects during these six months of presidency. But the coronavirus has swept away all scenarios.

Merkel method

The chancellor warned in late May: "  The coronavirus pandemic has turned our world upside down, as have the plans of the German presidency  ." Angela Merkel therefore begins by responding to the emergency and the arrival of an experienced manager at the helm is eagerly awaited.

On the table of this presidency with upset priorities, the recovery plan tested by the Merkel method. No question for the Chancellor to point the finger at the four so-called frugal countries that block. This weekend, the Chancellor reminded her in an interview: “  I don't like talking about the northern states, the southern states and eastern Europeans. I expect each of us to put himself in the place of the other.  "

Moment of truth for Brexit

From the outset, the recovery plan is the most complicated file to settle with the European budget. File to be settled as quickly as possible, hope Paris and Berlin, because the return will also be dotted with poisoned subjects. Starting with Brexit : can the UK and the EU build a new trade relationship?

Also on the menu, relations with China. The summit scheduled for September has been canceled, but Berlin still hopes to find a date by the end of the year. As for other pending files, such as migration, they risk being postponed further.

(and with AFP)

► Read also: EU relaunch: Merkel and Macron join forces for an agreement in July

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