Wolf stressed that it is important for national parliaments to “continue their dialogue” even if “technology is not always kind to us”. In view of the complicated course of the meeting, which was hampered by connection problems, Krichbaum added that nothing could replace meeting in person and announced that he would make every effort to ensure that the next COSAC meeting could be held in the Reichstag building in Berlin – in compliance, of course, with rules on distancing.

Heiko Maas, German Foreign Minister and Frans Timmermans, European Commission Executive Vice-President were guest speakers at the meeting.

Foreign Minister Maas Talks of A Historic Decision

The German Foreign Minister presented the German Council Presidency’s priorities. He referred, inter alia, to adoption of the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework, Brexit, digital transformation and migration, Europe’s “bone of contention”.

Guest Speaker German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas

© Deutscher Bundestag | Florian Gärtner

Mr Maas addressed “the European Council’s historic decision” with reference to the agreement on the EU taking on debt. Europe has shown that “when it comes down to it, we are in a position to take decisions together to allow us to emerge from the crisis in a spirit of solidarity”. He noted that negotiations with the European Parliament had been launched at the end of August and were rather challenging. “We wish to conclude these negotiations rapidly to ensure that support can also be delivered rapidly”, Maas underlined.

Brexit Situation “Worrying”

He described the most recent developments regarding the UK’s withdrawal from the EU as “worrying”. As he noted, it would constitute a breach of international law if the legislation announced by Prime Minister Johnson were to come into force.

The Chairs of the Bundesrat and Bundestag EU Committees, Guido Wolf (left) and Gunther Krichbaum, during the conference

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Against the backdrop of relations with the United Kingdom, the German Foreign Minister called for reliability in policy-making. As he noted, at the end of the year there might indeed be a “no deal” scenario for the UK. Although preparations for this eventuality are also underway, the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, would be supported in his efforts to reach an agreement.

Maas also considers the digital transformation to be an important issue. He underlined that it must be possible to expand European sovereignty. Migration is a difficult topic, “as the Member States’ positions are very, very far apart”. He also noted that the German Council Presidency supports the European Commission on relaunching European asylum and migration policy.

Sanctions against Election Fraud in Belarus

On the subject of Belarus, the Foreign Minister stressed that “the EU must adopt a very concrete position on this”. He noted that electoral fraud and blatant human rights violations cannot simply be ignored. As a first step, he announced that sanctions would be imposed on over 40 individuals clearly involved in electoral fraud.

Dita Charanzová, Vice-President of the European Parliament, commented on the reconstruction plan, describing it as a step “that everyone welcomes”. She noted that it will enable Europe to grow stronger as it emerges from the crisis. However, she also underscored the need for European Parliament involvement, noting too that more funds should be allocated in the fields of digitisation and health.

Role of Parliaments in the Conference on the Future of Europe

Reinhold Lopatka, Chair of the EU Committee in the Austrian National Council, was the first speaker in the debate, making points that are also supported by large number of national parliaments; he called for the Conference on the Future of Europe to produce substantial results and advocated adequate participation rights for national parliaments. Maas supported these demands, underlining that both civil society and national parliaments have a role to play in this process. He expressed his hope that an understanding to this effect could be reached with the European Parliament and the Commission.

Timmermans Sees “Unique Opportunity”

Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for a European Green Deal, also noted that parliaments play an important role. He underscored that parliaments must ratify Council decisions on reconstruction before these can be implemented.

Frans Timmermans online from Brussels

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The Commission Vice-President went on to state that it was clear even before the pandemic that Europe needed a new growth strategy. That is why the Green Deal was launched. As Timmermans stressed, the pandemic opens up scope for Europe to restructure its economy: “This restructuring cannot wait. We have a unique opportunity at present”. He pointed out that the financial resources now mobilised must also be invested in a future-oriented economy. The Commission Vice-President emphasised that the Green Deal was therefore the right path to pursue, explaining that he is confident that the rest of the world will follow if Europe forges ahead in this direction.

Coal Phase-out Recommended for the Western Balkans

Mr Timmermans recommended that EU candidate countries in the Western Balkans “adhere as closely as possible to the European Green Deal”. They should pursue the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050, if at all possible, for the EU is moving in that direction. Timmermans underlined that phasing out coal would contribute enormously to establishing a positive dynamic for integration of these countries into the EU.

Wolf and Krichbaum Draw Positive Conclusions

Minister Guido Wolf

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Guido Wolf, Chairman of the Bundesrat Committee on European Union Questions, noted by way of conclusion that the discussion had shown that “we can be optimistic and confident.” He noted that Europe was moving in the right direction despite major challenges and emphasised the importance of speaking with one voice. “Only then will we be able to find convincing and effective solutions”.

Krichbaum emphasised that it is important “to get the general public on board”. The Chairman of the Bundestag Committee on European Union Affairs underlined that citizens expect Europe to offer solutions to today’s challenges.