 So good afternoon all everybody my name is Michael Collins and I'm the Director General of the Institute of International and European Affairs here in Dublin and We're delighted absolutely delighted to welcome you this afternoon to our latest webinar Which is a public event as part of our future of the EU 27 project a project that is supported by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and trade Many of you joining us today have attended previous webinars that we have hosted at the IIEA and are familiar with the work of our Institute But in particular welcome also to those of you who might be joining an IIEA webinar for the first time Today our webinar guest is Mikael Röth Minister of State at the German Foreign Office in Berlin Who's going to be speaking to us about the German EU presidency? The challenges and the priorities in in these days As you all know Germany will assume the presidency of the Council of the EU on the 1st of July 2020 The first in the new trio presidency that will include Slovenia and also Portugal and in his address today to the IIEA Minister Roth will discuss the priorities as a set of the incoming German presidency including I would expect the MFF and Recovering from the devastating impact of COVID-19 The European Green Deal as a trigger for economic growth The digital transformation and the preservation of the rule of law And I'm sure that we will also have an opportunity to hear from them on issues such as Brexit and The implications of the recent indeed controversial decision of the German Constitutional Court So the huge and demanding workload for as I say the same coming German presidency at a critical time for the European Union and and the solidarity of its member states The Minister Roth has been Minister of State for Europe at the German Federal Foreign Office since December 2013 and Commissioner for Franco-German cooperation since 2014 He was first elected to the German Bundestag in 1998 and between 2010 and 2013 He was spokesperson on Europe for the parliamentary group of his party the Social Democratic Party of Germany The Minister will speak for about 10 minutes Maybe 50 up to 15 minutes and then we'll open the floor to your questions And you'll be able to join the discussion using the Q&A function on Zoom, which you should see on your screen And a reminder that this discussion is fully on the record of both the minister's initial remarks and the subsequent Q&A And just a further reminder that you can join the discussion on Twitter using the handle at IIEA and we're also streaming live as well And with that and perhaps without the necessity for any further introduction. I now hand you over to Minister Michael Roth for his remarks. Minister, you're very very welcome to the IAEA Welcome indeed back to the IAEA because you've spoken here before but we're delighted to see you today in this format Thank you so much Michael and Thank you so much for having me and thanks for the kind introduction I'm very great. I'm very grateful for an excellent cooperation as Michael served as Ambassador in Berlin and I learned a lot from him and from his great team in in Berlin and that's why I accepted the Invitation and it gives me the opportunity to listen to you I would like to invite you not just to listen to me I would like love to listen to you because Europe is teamwork and The EU presidency doesn't mean that Germany wants to rule Europe We are more team players. We would like to build Bridges We would like to mediate and we would like to inspire the European Union in these Challenging times So thank you for the opportunity to speak at today's webinar of the Institute of International European Affairs Let me jump right into the topic My ambition for our presidency is that we help the European Union become stronger more sovereign and more solidly United to break this ambitious approach down into more manageable pieces I will concentrate on one General aspect that will heavily impact Germany's council presidency and Michael already mentioned it Unsurprisingly the number one priority will be European crisis response to the ongoing covered 19 Pandemic Undoubtedly the covered 19 pandemic will be a defining challenge for our presidency During the past weeks. We have made Significant efforts to reflect this challenge in the preparations and planning for the second half of this year our principal goal is to address this challenge in a well-coordinated way and Ultimately to help make the European Union stronger than it was before the crisis After and I'm very diplomatic After a rather slow start we saw ever-increasing European solidarity concerning medical equipment Sharing hospital capacities across borders and helping bring home European citizens from all over the world the same applies to Fast and uncomplicated provision of testing capacities by a German laboratory That helped to bridge the testing gap in Ireland Everyone involved really worked for a common purpose Concerning our exit strategy It's my strong belief that the way back to a status quo needs to be coordinated at European level this includes the internal market border controls and travel restrictions the presentation of the Tourism package by the European Commission sent the right signal to the member states and They were right to get to work on this quickly last week last week we had two video conferences with our neighbors and With some of the main tourist destinations in order to coordinate measures for a gradual reopening of borders and tourism industries in The medium term we must also learn the lessons that the pandemic is teaching us We need to find a way to address future Challenges in a more coordinated manner. No member state can tackle this pandemic or a similar scenario on its own One example is a more comprehensive approach to the civil protection mechanism We saw that joint and coordinated purchasing of medical supplies at management of these supplies would have strengthened the response across Europe We also need to become more resilient against disinformation and fake news campaigns Just last week for example the EU disinformation team needed to disprove the claim and I quoted The masters of darkness invented the COVID-19 and seek world domination While this claim seems like wild fantasy to most of us It's by far not the only one The EU and we as its citizens are increasingly confronted with this information That seeks to perform before it European solidarity. I think I think this underlines Why resilience against disinformation is another issue on our priority list for the German council presidency Talking about Recovery from the pandemic brings me to the next pillar to save lives We needed to scale down large parts of the European economy and restrict social life Millions of European citizens now live in fear of looting their livelihoods Hence we as Europeans need to support the most the really hit countries and regions and show real Solidarity across Europe Germany is well aware of its responsibility for you. We are the biggest country in the very heart of Europe We have a strong economy and that bears a special Responsibility for the functioning but also of this for the success of our European team In close consultation with our European partners We will need to use all of the tools at our disposal to slow down and reverse the economic decline Last Monday Germany and France introduced their initiative for Europe's economic recovery It's an ambitious program for solidarity and growth and it shows that in the interest of solidarity We are willing to move substantially from our traditional positions We envisage a package of 500 billion euros as part of the next MFF that will be raised through borrowing on the markets And that's completely new But we have to face an unprecedented crisis and that's why we have to think out of the box This package shall allow temporary and targeted funding for sectors and member states most affected by the pandemic crisis And its aftermath We believe that our joint initiative is a good basis for the upcoming commission proposals What we really need now is a spirit of compromise from all other sides as well Ladies and gentlemen dear Michael The world will however not stand still so besides Corona virus after significant challenges must also be addressed climate social cohesion digitalization rule of law and The need to speak with one single voice Based on a common approach to other global actors like the United States China Russia and others During our presidency, we will have to tackle a wide range of important topics Many of which are somewhat impacted by the current situation We will negotiate the so-called multi annual financial framework, which is of course closely linked to discussions on recovery from coronavirus however, we need to make sure it It's a green recovery The fight against climate change and the European Green Deal remain key priorities What we really need is an socio-economic transformation and climate is one of the key priorities for all of us on the global stage and the European Union must play a Very ambitious role in order to convince others who are much more reserved Because they think Climate for instance climate protection is a job killer. It's definitely not the case But we have to deliver and we have to act right now This green recovery is more and more linked to digitalization and technological Serenity of the European Union. We are still at the start of this process. However, we are gaining traction Ireland as one of the of Europe's digital hotspots has lots to contribute you to the discussion furthermore Although it's currently not in the spotlight Migration and finding solutions to ongoing events at our southern and eastern borders remain an important topic during our presidency The same applies to the rule of law and I would like to conclude with the rule of law because It's crystal clear The European Union is not just a single market. We're not just a currency union We are first and foremost a union of common values and these values and everyone buddy, but We are under pressure. We are under pressure by nationalists populists outside the European Union and inside our European model is under pressure and we have to make it clear that peace stability order prosperity on one hand Democracy human rights rule of law respect to minority Both sides of one coin and this European model needs credibility and we have to regain trust and confidence in this model and that's why the rule of law is on the on the top of our Agenda for the next semester in the European Union last but not least Maybe I I Disappoint you a bit. I haven't mentioned the word Brexit but Brexit will also dominate our agenda like the negotiations on the fishery quotas, but I'm I'm I'm sure you will raise other Pressing issues of common interest and so I'm looking forward to discuss with you and thanks again Michael for inviting me It's an honor and I feel really privileged Thank you, thank you minister and thank you for that contribution and And your commitment to the whole European ideal is so very evident and it's a very obvious not just today but over over so many years Can I just just on that front? Perhaps before we get to some of the questions? I mean, obviously the response of Europe I think you were you were you said you were being diplomatic when you said it we got off to a slow start And that may be do you think it's possible to recover from that slow start in terms of any Any damage that's been done to the credibility of our union and and how we've Managed this existential crisis Michael this is a really good question I would like to defend the European Union because a blueprint or a master plan Haven't existed so far and that's that's an unpresented crisis and the the the the eocompetences are extremely low and that's why Member states were very much focused just on national measures, but it's obvious that this Pandemic doesn't care national borders. It doesn't have a passport and that's why European measures are so key So the first the first step was very much focused on national measures But the second or the third step must be a Must be very much coordinated with our European partners and from my point of view we we learned our our lessons It was a bumpy road, but at the end it was worth it and coordination remains a key for us because Our economy is very much linked to others and without stability and Growth in our neighborhood It wouldn't work and to Germany is one of the most export-oriented countries in the very heart of the European Union And that makes it crucial to do our utmost best to support others to to to establish a functioning exit strategy and to establish a strategy in order to combat the tough economic and social consequences Good Okay, and just We invite our our listenership to to start sending in their questions now if they would and on the recovery package and how difficult was it for for for Germany for the Chancellor, you know to compromise and to change the ways of the past to come to a deal and that is quite different from anything that that Germany has been them has been comfortable with in the past I mean, is it the particular existential circumstances of the virus? Is it the state of the Union? How how how difficult was it to to move to this new position and some people might wonder, you know why it took so long Also in relation to previous crisis I Don't want to overestimate the role of my party, but These ideas the German French proposal is based on social democratic strategies our Vice-Chancellor and our finance minister was very much involved in Finding a sustainable but also acceptable solution and We had to take notice that the pandemic is an extremely It was extremely Was extremely tough in its consequences in countries like Spain and Italy and and and France and With with extremely dangerous consequences for economy and for the social stability in these countries and that be as a special responsibility for us and in good times Germany and France could Create compromises and Lines for compromises for others and that makes the Franco-German Corporations are valuable not just for our two countries, but also for others and So maybe for mrs. Merkel, it was a bit more challenging because she had to convince her own party But at the end She was extremely successful Her party had to take into consideration that the conservative party Is in public polls extremely strong because of mrs. Merkel's leadership that was one of the main reasons why people are very much convinced that our strategy in Combatting the crisis is a good one. So the chancellor is extremely strong much stronger than maybe four five six or seven years ago We learned our lessons. I It was really painful for us a couple of years ago that many many distinguished friends across the European Union were rather disappointed about our engagement They expected more more solidarity more inspiration more ambition and that's why I'm extremely glad that we achieved That we achieved such a very ambitious proposal and now it's up to the Commission to to put another Proposal on the table and I hope we can also the countries which are a bit more reserved than Germany or France or the Mediterranean Especially the so-called frugal force Austria the Netherlands and also my friends in Denmark and in Sweden Yes, okay, I think we come back to some of that in a little while I'm sure as part of the wider Q&A, but let me just get to some of the questions that have come in To the first questions indeed. I think coincidentally are actually on China One the first one is from Port Murphy who's indeed a former ambassador when To Germany many many years ago and he's the chair of our IAEA foreign policy group He said the position of China in the world is going to challenge all of us Summit with China is scheduled for October in Leipzig What do you think might be the outcome of this summit and a similar question from Catherine mean mean and who's the chair of our IAEA Germany group? She asked Could you give your views on the future of you China relations? And you think and that China is attempting to separate member states one from another Okay, thank you so much and this so-called political leaders meeting will take place for the very first time maybe in in September organized by the German presidency It's a clear signal that the European Union has to stand united and Some global actors are rather interested in a more weak European Union Russia China China for instance established the so-called 17 plus one strategy They are not very much interested in strong and reliable ties to the European Union and its institutions They are more interested in bilateral relations to some European countries but at the end the only chance to be an Influential partner on the global stage is to stand united and to speak with one single voice best based on a common approach My impression is that we we need to Focus our our dialogue with China not just on economic issues we it's a huge political actor and China competes with us Not just in economic terms, but also in in in in terms of values democracy human rights and so on and we have to make it clear that Democracy the rule of law is more or less the self-insurance And it's more or less the precondition for prosperity and for welfare Of the vast majority of the human beings And that's why I'm sometimes disappointed that the European Union quite often or too often Sound a bit too technocratic and bureaucratic And that I will never forget the the very professional campaign of China or also Russia and other regimes It to to to send signals of solidarity to Italy or to other countries, but the the the EU institutions in in Brussels were Extremely weak and and and reserved and I hope that We we we can strengthen the visibility not just in combating the pandemic, but also To strengthen its visibility in in in the in the western Balkans the western Balkans illustrates How important it is to be visible to be engaged to invest not just Money, but also the rule of law investment in public administration in fight against corruption and at the end the European Union Works rather good, but more in the background What we really need is a professional campaign Strategy communication strategy in order to convince others that the European Union remains strong remains reliable and And and on the other hand in concerning trade Economy, but also we're regional conflicts at China remains one of the most eminent Partners for us. And so we should be very much interested in reliable Relations to China, but not just on a bilateral basis. We need a strong and Visible voice of Brussels in this in in this competition And we've several questions in here on the the German constitutional court Ruling which I'll come to in a minute I'll see if I can group them all together Michael and but just one or two more though on on the rule of law and One from Stephen Ryan in our own foreign ministry here He says you mentioned rule of law as one of Germany a German priority presidency priorities What tangible a tangibly with the German presidency do in terms of the rule of law Some feel that some member states are being let off the hook And would you ensure strict financial rule of law conditionality under the next? MFF and Second question here related to this from at the McDermott who's an IEA member He she says as part of a two-part question, but I take the second part first She says the rule of law concerns How does the Germany you presidency propose to deal with the contempt for the European law for European law as Demonstrated by the action of countries Such as she mentions hungry First we have to use the existing tools Like the article seven procedures with Poland and was hungry the infringement Procedures, but at the end what we really need is a mutual understanding of our Rule of law principle of our common and fundamental values and I'm confronted quite often with With a very very tough a critical remark Michael you don't Understand our traditions you are very arrogant you one of the typical Western oriented politicians. You never Interested in our traditions and our culture, but national identity and culture Cannot be the execution for violations regarding rule of law and we cannot offer political discounts if countries member states Violate the principle of rule of law independence of judiciary is key for us We all have different political systems Parliamentary systems we have presidential systems. We have Systems was a strong parliament We we have different system at the end what really what really what really matters is the independence of judiciary and a strong democratic voice of the parliament and a Democratic elected Government and many many other pillars of our Constitutional understanding, but what we need a mutual understanding and that's why we extremely grateful to the EU Commission for the very first time in the history of the EU and the EU Commission will present rule of law report and in the Council of Ministers, we would like to establish a new rule of law dialogue based on two Pillars the first one is a general dialogue on the situation of rule of law in the European Union Followed by a second session a more country specific discussion Regarding the rule of law situation in all your member states Maybe this is a chance to make clear that we are very much entered in a in a non-discriminatory Dialogue which treats all your member states in the same way The other new tool we would like to introduce and this is extremely delicate Because it's about money We would like to strengthen the tie between the EU funds the money and the rule of law if You member states systematically violates the principle of rule of law then the EU Commission can introduce financial sanctions Less money from process. This is a very simple message to all of us And I would like to take the opportunity Michael to explain a bit more the decision of the constitutional court because It's not a role model and it shouldn't be the role model for others So if you allow Michael just before you do that, maybe I could just pose a few questions that have come in on that and Just to identify and maybe just to obviously underline the level of interest in this subject But I noticed we've gone here in here from John Brute in our former t-shirt How will you cope with the decision of the cars rule court not to accept the supremacy of the EU law? another from Pat Cox and the former president of the European Parliament he said the primacy of The court of justice of the EU in interpreting EU law is the cornerstone of the union's rule of law does the minister agree and Accept this proposition and how does he evaluate and the court's recent challenge to the to to this concept? And what does he expect to happen? So? two questions there from two very distinguished Europeans and indeed two members of our board as well So maybe just to to to identify those questions and then allow you to go to you Thank you so much and I fully understand the the the rather critical questions the primacy of EU law over national law is an essential characteristic of the EU union's legal order and this is an obligation for all of us including the Germany the constitutional court has stressed that Like all national constitutional courts It can only deviate from a judgment by CECG on the validity of a European legislative act an extreme exceptional cases So in doing so it doesn't it does in fact confirm its respect for the primacy of EU law and that is my main message to all of you Germany accept this order We are aware of the reactions in some other EU member states still the constitutional court judgment in fact calls on the ECG to examine the legality of measures more closely in this case the principle of Proportionality, so it should not be mistaken for pretext for anyone to do away with uncomfortable case law from Luxembourg on the rule of law we hope and We expect that the constitutional court and the ECG will re-enter in a fruitful Constructive dialogue which has for a long time been part of a vivid European legal and constitutional culture But That's my wish. That's my hope But I can understand that as appointments, so my message to you is clear you should Please don't overestimate this decision and we should Accept the crucial and eminent role of the ECG in Luxembourg Michael do you see any scope for the the German government the German federal government Appealing this decision in any way or is that an option that's open to to you as a government? the independence of judiciary is a binding factor for all of us including the federal government we are in Close contact to to the constitutional court But at the end my position I already mentioned is not just my personal point of view This is the federal government's position and I very much believe that doubts Regarding this guiding principle would be extremely dangerous for the functioning and for the balance between the EU Institutions and that's why I'm extremely aware of the discussion And so my position and my government's position is hopefully rather clear Okay, there may be I think there may be maybe a few more There's a big big subject matter and one that's obviously not going to go away anytime And complex as well And so maybe just to just broaden it out a little bit and we'll come to a few more questions from our audience in a second But could you just talk a little bit about transatlantic relations? I mean EU transatlantic relations and the prospects there Anytime in the foreseeable future of an improvement in the atmosphere for a start and in the prospects, I suppose also of a new EU US Trade deal under the current US administration Okay It's not a not a new phenomenon that The transatlantic relations are not the key Issue on the United States Agenda anymore Also the Obama administration for very much focus on the Pacific Region and not just on the on the on on Europe The only chance For us is to to to stand united to speak with one single voice and to strengthen Europe's capabilities and and maybe to take more responsibility on the global stage with our tools with our security strategy The situation of the European Union frankly speaking is not so easy Because we have to take into consideration that many EU member states are members of NATO Others are Not members or they they they have a rather They have a distance to to the NATO structures And that's that's a bit difficult for all of us because NATO cannot be the only European Format for us So the European Union has to take more Responsible responsibility and my impression is that Donald Trump wants to divide the European Union he was a big fan and maybe he is still a big fan of Brexit for instance and Brexit was for him a role model maybe for others but We we learned also our lessons We won't solve any problems With leaving the club we will produce new Problems and challenges if we leave the club and at the end We we we have to be as cool as possible in our dialogue with with with mr. Trump with the president of the United States but In strengthening the European capacities is is key for us In establishing A joint comprehensive approach in our neighborhood Eastern Europe Africa Latin America also China is extremely key for us and a lot remains to be done. It's a long and bumpy road Because some member states are rather reserved in order to establish a More a joint Engagement they are very much convinced that national relations bilateral relations to the United States more fruitful and more valuable than European comprehensive approach and I'm not quite sure if we can solve this problem But the at the end before we start Negotiations with the United States regarding trade for instance. We need a mutual understanding What is our main purpose? What is our main objective in order to convince our citizens that? Drate needs in a globalized world needs needs rules needs guiding principles And at the end Such such agreements are in in our interest, but We need a more multilateral Understanding not just in Europe, but also in the United States at Martin little isn't Became under pressure not just by Donald Trump and also by Brazil Yeah, Brazil by by by by other global actors and that makes it so it's a crucial that we Corporate that we improve our our our cooperation that we strengthen our ties to other which do believe that multilateralism in the globalized world is the the best Guiding principle for all of us and it's a win-win situation for all of us Thank you. Sure. Just by way of a follow-up question from John Bruden again Just going back to the Constitution or the the German Constitutional Court And obviously it said this importance he says just by way of a follow-up question Is there not a risk that others of the other Supreme Court's of the 27 might have their own versions of quote extreme and exceptional cases? Unquote where they too might reject ECJ supremacy, I suppose what's the stop every other country doing the same thing as Germany has done? again, I Assume that was an exception and this decision Won't be a role model or can't be a role model for other Constitutional courts or Supreme Courts in the European Union, but at the end the decision accepts We shouldn't forget accepts the very controversial and measures the European Central Bank had to Had to introduce to prevent the economic and the social consequences of the Crisis a couple of years ago so The ECB decisions and measures were full in line with with with our constitutional Framework the only controversial issue for the Constitutional Court is the proportionality and the the need to explain it to citizens to the other institutions and that's That's now a very delicate Discussion for us because the Constitutional Court of Germany of my country Cannot Bind European institutions So it's it's it's we have to we have to find us a domestic solution in order to convince the ECB to be a bit more Transparent and to explain It's it's position Just maybe just a little change of topic from a question from Daniela Bancic How will the German presidency Ensure to uphold the promise of the conference on the future of Europe will be democratic as citizen-centered and Transparent and you know just what the time frame for all that is now the conference on Europe's future is very close to my heart because I love to talk to to pick two citizens and Without public acceptance, it won't work. What we really need is public acceptance is an open ambitious dialogue with the people about our common future and My expectations Were extremely clear what we really need is an open format Inclusive we need not just centralized events in Brussels. What we really need are Discussion events all over the European Union, not just in the capital spot all the country side We have to take the chance of digitalization This webinar is a good example how we can invite Hundreds of people to discuss with people with politicians with scientists about Europe's future and about Common challenges. That's another positive example how it can work in the European Union So, um, I I took notice that the expectations in the European Parliament are extremely high in the Commission I'm not quite sure and then the Council of Ministers We are We are far away from a political consensus. We really need Um Many many Member states are very much occupied by the pandemic like COVID-19 and They are extremely aware of the economic and social consequences the high unemployment rate The increasing number of people without perspectives Maybe they are going to lose their jobs Our democracies are under pressure so For some distinguished colleagues They the conferences is the conference is not the top priority on their agenda and There is another elephant in the room and This the name of these elephants is treaty changes Um Many member states are not really happy with a debate regarding treaty changes. I'm very open-minded At the end it's open if and we should should propose a very very open broad Agenda for the citizens all issues Should be discussed were in common interest and the the the pandemic Illustrates how important it is to strengthen the European Union on the global stage in combating Climate change to combat pandemics like corona To to to be more visible on the global stage in defending peace and stability and so on but We are we are working very hard on a compromise on a political consensus in in 30 minutes. I have a conversation with members of the European Parliament And I hope at the end We will agree on a clear mandate Which is also attractive for NGOs for civil society But not just for the usual suspects if just the committed Europeans Feel invited to be part of such a future conference, that's not enough We have to take into consideration that in many states and many countries People are a bit reserved They and they need we need they they have they must have the chance to raise their concerns their worries their questions You mentioned toward the elephant in the room, maybe there's another elephant in the room And that's Brexit and you kind of alluded to it and very brief to you several questions in here on that And maybe I just try and capture the spirit of those questions. And I mean, obviously the German presidency I mean it's coming at a critical time on so many fronts not the least which also happens to be Brexit and much And all it's not Center stage in the way that it was it hasn't gone away. So just one or two questions One is your expectations if any that in part of the British the UK will look for an extension beyond beyond June and What do you think this second question? What do you think the scope of any future? Deal is going going to be and I suppose the third question is the extent to which the UK is engaged in any kind of Engagement with with directly with with Germany in terms of having their interests accommodate We already offered a very very very Or we sent a very attractive signal to London the closest possible future partnership That's our offer to London my impression is unfortunately that Some partners in London discuss the Brexit with a very much ideological approach but we need to be as pragmatic and as flexible as possible and We already agreed on a basis for our negotiations and this is The political declaration and this is the withdrawal agreement. I don't understand Why our British friends don't want to discuss with us the foreign and security policy we already agreed that a close cooperation concerning foreign and Defense policy security policy Is is part of a comprehensive? agreement but our British friends Don't want to discuss it. That was a big surprise for me and for for many many others and Our British friends have to accept that not Germany or other EU member states sits in the driver seat the commission is in the driver seat they Negotiate on behalf of 27 member states with the United Kingdom The UK will remain on the single market and the customs union But the UK government has so far ruled out such an extension and so far We have no signs indicating that this may change We have to respect this view and we have to plan with this scenario This however means that we need to make substantial progress very fast Given the time that has been lost to coronavirus the time table is even more Ambitions we are therefore very concerned that so little progress was made in previous Negotiations rounds and that the UK on some topics such as foreign policy corporation was not even willing to engage negotiations so far This is not in line with the political declaration that we jointly agreed on and the political declaration covers all areas of interest to the future relationship and Defines them as one comprehensive package and we now urgently need tangible progress Across the board especially on issues like the architecture of our future partnership or the question of fair competition It's a so-called level playing field. I'm not sure Michael How we can achieve this By the end of the year, I'm not quite sure about this. I'm I'm a very optimistic politician and that I Don't understand why our friends in in in In London don't want to discuss without to maybe to postpone To or to prolong to prolong the negotiations That puts a lot of pressure on us, but not just on us, but also on London on UK and I would like to reassure that the Irish interests are also our interests and that was my message to UK Nobody has the interest to divide the European Union 27 member states speak with one single voice in this negotiations And it's not a good idea to separate different sectors or interests We have to combine it together and this is a whole package and that's why we should discuss and negotiate this ambitious package together, but unfortunately The timetable is extremely Tight and the time is running out Thank You Michael that message of solidarity is very much appreciated by I'm sure everybody here Can I I'm not gonna just ask one or two more questions? Good not necessarily related but just because we're coming to the end basically we need to get you out for your meeting with the European Parliament But just maybe just I just try and pick up one or two along the way here if I can one from Shona Murray of Euro news And she wants to know going back to the frugal for She basically wants to know whether they have the the capacity I suppose The ability and whether their objections Will obstruct the passing of the Franco-German proposal or indeed whatever eventually emerges from the from the Commission and Secondly, then we just question on the Green Deal and maybe just to maybe finish on that From Connor Spain. He says how will Germany reconcile the objectives of the European Green Deal? With the recovery plan and the budget and can both be achieved And your estimation and I think once you're once you've had a chance to answer those questions. We will end on that point Thank You Michael just very briefly. I would like to start with with climate and You already mentioned it the budget plays a key role in achieving our goals and our expectation is is very Ambitious but also realistic and we would like to strengthen the tie between climate and EU funds so 25% of the EU budget must be linked to climate and Regarding common agriculture policy 40% of the Ecoculture budget should be invested into climate and should be linked to climate That's extremely ambitious vicious, but it highlights that we would like to start and socio economic transformation of our societies and with a strong link also to A social pillar and also to jobs jobs are extremely important And we would like to invest much more money into innovation and in forward-looking in issues And that brings me last oh But not I forgot the first point For ah the frugal force. Oh, yes Okay I'm very much in favor of regional cooperation In in a in a European Union with 27 member states, it's it's it's extremely useful To to cooperate on the regional level that makes it sometimes easier to form Compromises but at the end and all regional Corporation formats should Make a constructive Contribution to unite the European Union. I don't want to comment the counter proposal of the of the so-called frugal for at the end. Maybe it's not a counter proposal. It's just Valuable a contribution Because at the end it's always good to compare different solutions together and maybe Or I'm fully convinced that at the end our our Ideas and our proposal that the German French proposal Has the chance to convince others because it's in the framework of the EU treaties It's extremely ambitious and it gives us the chance to Make it clear that nobody stands alone in combating the economic and the social consequences of the pandemic And at the end maybe the European Union and its member states are much stronger Than before the crisis and that's one of our main objectives in our incoming German you presidency. Thank you so much Michael. Thank you. Thank you minister It's just a great pleasure to see you again to talk to you and To know that the European spirit is so so strong alive with you. So with that, we're going to draw this Webinar to a conclusion to say thank you to each and every one of you the large numbers indeed who have joined us this afternoon And we look forward to being back on a future occasion indeed a Another situation is on Friday We will have Evelyn Regner the chair of the European Parliament's women's rights and gender equality committee with us for another webinar conversation So do join us on that occasion, but in the meantime, stay well stay connected Good afternoon. Thank you. Thank you