Germany, one of the EU’s six founding members and the locomotive of the EU, took over the Presidency of the Council of the EU from Croatia for a six-month period on 1 July 2020. This marks Germany’s 13^th Council Presidency and the first time since 2007. Two German conservative politicians, current European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will work together and aim to steer EU policies until 31 December.

The German EU Presidency is the first presidency within the scope of the 18 month-long Germany-Portugal-Slovenia Presidency trio. During its EU term presidency, Germany is expected to serve both as an engine and as a mediator.

Germany’s Presidency Priorities

Germany has announced its EU Presidency programme on 30 June. Acting in line with the motto “Together for Europe’s Recovery”, Berlin will focus on six areas during its six-month long EU Presidency. These areas have been defined as “overcoming the long-term consequences of the coronavirus crisis as well as economic and social recovery”, building “a stronger and more innovative Europe”, “a fair Europe”, “a sustainable Europe”, “a Europe of security and common values”, and “an effective EU for a rule-based international order anchored in partnership”.

The coronavirus pandemic, which is regarded as the greatest challenge the EU has ever faced, puts great responsibility on Germany’s EU Presidency. German Chancellor Angela Merkel will have to make great efforts to address the socioeconomic consequences of the pandemic crisis throughout Germany’s term presidency. In this regard, facilitating an agreement on the next long-term EU budget and the 750 billion-euro recovery fund proposed by the Commission known as “Next Generation EU” will be at the centre of Germany’s efforts. The plan is expected to be discussed at the European Council meeting scheduled for 17-18 July.

Besides the urgency of addressing the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Germany is expected to take the first steps in the implementation of the action plan known as the “European Green Deal” which aims to make Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent. The European Green Deal is also at the centre of EU’s COVID-19 recovery plan.

Another important objective for the EU during this period will be reaching a deal on the post-Brexit relationship with the UK. Having left the EU on 31 January, the UK has entered into a transition period which will last until 1 January 2021. Given the fact that London has declined seeking an extension to the transition period, a new agreement will need to be signed between the UK and the EU before the end of the year.

German Chancellor Merkel has touched upon digital transformation as another priority area under Germany’s Presidency. Highlighting that Europe should be technologically and digitally independent; Merkel stated that the pandemic crisis clearly showed in which digital areas Europe was dependent.

Indicating that the EU should take on more responsibility globally, Merkel has advocated a greater role for the EU in promoting concepts such as human dignity, democracy and freedom. Moreover, she has underscored the Conference on the Future of Europe, which is set to begin during Germany’s EU Presidency, as an opportunity to discuss reform proposals on foreign policy.

According to Merkel, Africa will receive special attention during Germany’s EU Presidency, the main objective being the development of a new partnership between EU and Africa by looking at Africa as the continent of the future. Engaging with China will be another priority for Berlin. Chancellor Merkel stated that they remained open to dialogue with China on the rule of law, human rights and the future of Hong Kong. She also said that they wanted to continue working with Beijing on the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment and climate change.

Germany’s EU Presidency and Turkey

During its EU Presidency, Germany’s main focus will be on managing the negative effects of the coronavirus crisis, ensuring digital transformation and increasing the EU’s competitiveness. Germany’s EU Presidency programme briefly touches upon the enlargement policy. While Germany’s EU Presidency programme mentions that maintaining a credible accession perspective for the Western Balkans is in the EU’s own strategic interest, sadly it makes no specific reference to Turkey.

As known, since 2016 Turkey’s EU accession negotiations have been at an impasse due to the blockages in the EU Council. The talks aimed at the modernisation of the Customs Union have not been launched, nor has the years-long dream of visa-free travel for Turkish citizens been realised. Recently, Turkey-EU ties have been strained over the disagreements regarding the Libyan conflict and hydrocarbon exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean. Nevertheless, Turkey sees Germany’s EU Presidency as an important opportunity and wants to revitalise its relations with the EU. Turkey’s main goal during Germany’s EU Presidency is launching the talks aimed at the modernisation of the Customs Union. In addition to the associated economic benefits it would bring to both sides, the modernisation of the Customs Union is seen as an important step which would inject new dynamism into Turkey-EU relations. Turkey also expects a revised refugee deal addressing its concerns regarding the efficiency and delivery of financial aid as well as the EU’s failure to deliver on the commitments made in the deal. We hope that Germany’s EU Presidency will be an opportunity for a breakthrough in Turkey-EU ties by building on the numerous areas of common interest and restoring trust in the relations.

More information on Germany’s Presidency of the EU Council is available here.