by fnfeurope

EU Special Summit: Pressure Needed in the Dispute over the Rule of Law

3 Questions & Answers with Member of European Parliament (MEP) Moritz Körner

During the negotiations at the EU Special Summit of Heads of State and Government, every position and possible concessions are meticulously fought over. This is also a good sign – after all, finding compromises is at the heart of European policy. We talk with Moritz Körner (Renew Europe/FDP), Member of the European Parliament, about the current situation, to see what can be achieved through the negotiation package and which points leave room for improvement.

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by fnfeurope

Wanted: An Effective and Sustainable Financial Framework for Europe

For the next two days, Heads of State and Government of the European Union are meeting in the EU capital. On the agenda of the European Council: the Multiannual Financial Framework and the “Next Generation EU” programme for the rebuilding of the EU after the Corona health crisis. EU-expert Thomas Ilka has the latest news on the content of the negotiations, lines of conflict, actors and timeframes.

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by fnfeurope

Event Report: Liberal Breakfast on the German EU Council Presidency

A joint event series by Friedrich Naumann Foundation Europe & ALDE Party

Check out the live stream here!

The Covid-19 crisis has put an enormous strain on Europe’s capacity of action. The deficits in its crisis management confirmed the need for increased cooperation to make the European Union more resilient, democratic and innovative. In the midst of this situation, Germany is taking over the EU Council presidency. With its reputation as political heavyweight, it will now have to prove that it has what it takes to come out on top of the crisis.

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by fnfeurope

The German EU Council Presidency – In Search of the European Bang!

On 1 July, Germany takes over the EU Council Presidency and faces a major agenda. [Part 4]

Today, Germany takes over the Presidency of the EU Council; a routine process in the wheelwork of Brussels: preparing and chairing meetings of the member states from speaker to governmental level, mediating differences, avoiding red lines, finding compromises, keeping a balance between the role of “honest broker” and personal  interests.

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by fnfeurope

Brexit: Crunch Time for the German Presidency

On 1 July, Germany takes over the EU Council Presidency and faces a major agenda. [Part 4]

The 1 July deadline for the UK to apply for an extension of the Brexit transition period coincided with the start of Germany’s six-month rotating EU Presidency. Germany took the helm at a time of unprecedented political and economic challenges, ranging from the COVID-19 response to the already tense negotiations on the EU’s next multiannual financial framework (MFF). However, with just six months of negotiation time left, Brexit is also set to be high on the Presidency’s agenda.

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by fnfeurope

Connecting Europe – For a Common Infrastructure Strategy

On 1 July, Germany takes over the EU Council Presidency and faces a major agenda. [Part 2]

The EU needs a European infrastructure strategy. Growth, jobs and prosperity for Europe’s citizens are created and advanced through real or digital, traditional and modern infrastructures. That’s not all: infrastructure provides states and regions with security and citizens with educational opportunities and health protection. In the geostrategic conflicts of the 21st century, infrastructure is a target of political disputes through direct attacks or economic takeovers.

The European Union must respond to these multiple challenges in a tailored manner. This includes – a central lesson of the Corona crisis – a modern health and disaster protection system that operates beyond borders. The establishment of joint stockpiles of critical medical devices and medicines is just as necessary as regular and effective training to avert dangerous situations. The Member States have a wealth of unique and high-quality experience and equipment in the field of health and civil protection. They must be carefully linked for the efficient and effective protection of Europe.

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