- Published: 26.05.2020.
State Secretary Metelko-Zgombić holds video conference of European affairs ministers
State Secretary for European Affairs Andreja Metelko-Zgombić held a video conference of European affairs ministers on “EU’s Comprehensive Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic”
State Secretary for European Affairs Andreja Metelko-Zgombić held a video conference of European affairs ministers on “EU’s Comprehensive Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic”, which focused on the coordinated relaxation of measures and economic recovery.
The ministers exchanged views on relaxing and lifting the restrictive measures to ensure a balance between restarting economic activities and protecting the health of European citizens. In that context, Metelko-Zgombić welcomed the Commission’s guidelines and recommendations for transport and tourism.
Discussing the economic and social recovery of the EU, the ministers presented their expectation regarding the new Multiannual Financial Framework, agreeing that it would play a crucial role together with the Recovery Instrument, the recommendations for which are expected to be presented by the Commission tomorrow. A successful recovery will still depend primarily on cohesion, convergence and solidarity.
The ministers also discussed the Conference on the Future of Europe and the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, underlining determination to reach an agreement on the Council’s composition as soon as possible and cooperate with other institutions to facilitate the launching of the Conference, in accordance with the citizens’ expectations.
The Commission informed the ministers about the preparations of the first annual Rule of Law Report, expected to be published in September.
“The EU has to continue with the comprehensive and coordinated relaxation of measures, considerately balancing the reinstatement of economic and social activities and the health of citizens, as well as to create conditions for a speedy economic recovery of all member states,” Metelko-Zgombić underscored in her address.