State Secretary for European Affairs Andreja Metelko-Zgombić chaired the last video conference of European affairs ministers under the Croatian Presidency in the General Affairs Council configuration.
The ministers exchanged views on the Commission’s amended proposals for the 2021-2027 MFF and the Recovery Plan, agreeing that they would play a key role in the economic and social recovery of the EU. As talks on these proposals are entering the crucial stage, Metelko-Zgombić emphasized that the member states should strive for a joint response that matches the level of this challenge.
In addition, the ministers discussed the future EU-UK relations, underscoring their commitment to talks on a comprehensive and ambitious partnership. Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier briefed the ministers on the recent developments and the proposed negotiating dynamic.
Last on the agenda, the upcoming Trio of Germany, Portugal and Slovenia presented the activities and priorities of the next 18-month Council programme (June 1st 2020 – December 31s 2021).
The ministers thanked the Croatian Presidency and Metelko-Zgombić as the General Affairs Council chair for their commitment and achievements in the first half of 2020 amidst an unprecedented crisis.
The state secretary thanked the ministers for their support and trust, and for allowing the Croatian Presidency to keep up the work of the Council via video conferences and written procedures, proving itself up to the task and not losing momentum in leading the Council during the crisis. She offered support to the upcoming German Presidency and wished them all the success.
“It has been and honour and a privilege to chair the General Affairs Council amidst this unprecedented crisis for the EU. We have to move forward together and find a strong response in order to recover economically and socially fast. I have no doubts that we, as the slogan of our Presidency says, are a “strong Europe in a world full of challenges”, and that we will overcome, recover and continue to develop for the wellbeing of the EU, its member states and their citizens,” State Secretary Metelko-Zgombić concluded.