A few thoughts about the 🇩🇪 Council Presidency starting today. The months ahead will be busy - and pretty interesting. /1
The expectations are high, maybe a little too high. And there is little time: #NextGenerationEU & #MFF are the priorities (phase 1), then comes #Brexit & 2021 budget (phase 2) & AOB - #migration, #China, #CoFoE (phase 3). /2
It will be a huge challenge for 🇩🇪: Before the crisis, the #MFF & #Brexit deadlines were already set. Now additionally #NextGenerationEU & crisis recovery. Germany can push for ambitious agenda & move forward on points, but don't expect final compromises on everything. /3
On top comes a new practical challenge - hopefully, #COVID19 situation will allow for physical meetings & "corridor diplomacy" during this Council Presidency. Otherwise reaching compromise might prove even more difficult. /4
On whether this is a "Hamiltonian moment" - I don't see #NextGenerationEU as a "fiscal union" yet - but step in the right direction. However: #EUCO on 17/18.07 will tell us whether we have a #Delors-Moment and give the EU the necessary means (own resources) & ability to act. /5
On leadership: Germany needs to be more than an "honest broker" and "bridge-builder" but show leadership to ensure that EU overcomes #COVID19 & is not thrown into a bigger political crisis, should leaders fail to reach a deal in July. /6
And lastly a little note for journalists: #Merkel ist not the "Council President", that's still @eucopresident. /7
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