EU's HUGE SOLIDARITY AGREEMENT THIS MORNING


JULY 21:

We did it!  These were the words of the president of the European Council, Charles Michel,  this morning.  The 27 EU member states had in unanimity approved a huge Recovery Plan for Europe, especially with assistance to the member states, which are hardest hit by the corona crisis.  And a new 7 year budget 2021-27 was also agreed.

For me the two most important points with this agreement are:

1.      EU has now in very concrete terms shown solidarity with members in difficulty. This is of huge importance for the well-functioning of EU in these very difficult times – internally and externally.  They have proved that they can work in unanimity when it is really needed.  This will have great importance in many other areas too.

2.      At the same time it was for the first time agreed and written into the agreement that member states have to respect the fundamental values of the EU ( such as the rule of law, independence of the courts, freedom of the media, protection of minorities, etc ), if they receive funds from the EU. In other words, if they do not respect these values, funds coming their way with be reduced or perhaps even stop.  This principle is crucial to most member states and also to the European Parliament.

It was a good day for Europe this morning!

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