Covid-19 has swept away the existing European order and has also changed something in the mind of the German Chancellor. She made no objections to the indefinite suspension of the budgetary rules set out in a treaty, albeit one that she inspired and helped to push through. Taking note of the public health and economic situation of her partners, particularly in the south of the EU, and unable to ignore this serious and unprecedented economic recession affecting the whole of Europe, Angela Merkel felt that a large-scale operation of solidarity was what was required. Finally responding to the pro-European ambitions of the French President, she entered into an agreement with him on greater public indebtedness of the EU and a recovery plan consisting largely of subsidies to benefit the member states that have been the hardest hit by the pandemic. And although it did not quite fill the sails of the new multi-annual financial framework, Germany left the club of the financially careful countries.
On 1 July, Germany took over the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the second half of the year. Its programme, entitled ‘Together for Europe’s recovery’, was clearly inspired and approved by the Chancellor. It deserves a careful reading, not just concerning the usual aspects of documents of this kind (the economy, the single market, sustainability etc.), but also on its ambitions of a moral nature: a framework of national minimum wage systems in the member states, a commitment to introduce a financial transactions tax, a tough stance on the link between observing the rule of law and benefiting from the EU budget, emphasis on the fight against racism, insistence on a common migration and asylum policy, consistency in the external relations plank.
The highlight of the start of its term was the European Council of July, which sealed an ambitious deal on the recovery plan and reached a basic agreement on the multi-annual financial framework for 2021-2027 (see EUROPE 12532/2). But that is not the end of the story. Germany is founded on solid parliamentarianism and its government can be credited with genuine good faith in its determination to reach an agreement with the European Parliament.
The President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, made her first speech on the state of the Union on 16 September (see EUROPE 12561/1). The central thread woven through it was also of an ethical order: in a sick world, Europe must choose vitality: let us adopt a more ambitious climate policy! Let us build the Union of health! Minimum wage and anti-Covid vaccines for all! The four freedoms restored! Solidarity with the Greeks, the Cypriots, the heroes of democracy in Belarus! A new pact on migration! Observance of the rule of law and no more corruption! Decisive action to tackle racism and hate! Swift and firm decisions on foreign policy!
Admittedly, here and there the text lacks clarity on resources, as it also does on the importance of the forthcoming Conference on the future of Europe. It takes a tougher stance towards Poland than it does towards Hungary. It has nothing to say about article 7 TEU, on Defence Europe, our space strategy, European citizenship, fiscal equity, future and resources… But if we read around the subject by looking at the Letter of Intent to President Sassoli and Chancellor Merkel (containing a non-exhaustive list of 44 key initiatives in 2021) and the current programme of work, we can see that projects are being produced at an almost frenetic pace, on which the member states and Parliament must take position. However, the most important thing that remains to be seen is whether the current mood of the Commission will spread to the European Council. The German Presidency will have earned itself a standing ovation if it manages to get decisions adopted by qualified majority in fields usually subject to unanimity.
In January, Jean Ziegler published a hard-hitting book entitled ‘Lesbos, la honte de l’Europe’ [Lesbos – the shame of Europe] (éditions du Seuil; available in French only). Everybody has seen the recent drama unfold at Moria camp. Once again and as a matter of urgency, the member states were brought face-to-face with their responsibilities for hosting refugees. Germany immediately agreed to take 1500, while France consented to take 100 and many others to take none at all. Once again, the Chancellor sent out an ethical signal, showing the rest of Europe how it should act.
Ursula von der Leyen and Angela Merkel know each other well; obviously, they do not agree on everything, they have different roles and it is not in their interests to enter into any sort of open connivance on the European scene. They simply happen to be here in a specific short period of time that could be put to use, made for the general interest. Today, it cannot be denied that the values of the EU are being borne aloft by two women, having been trampled underfoot by (at least) two heads of government who happen to be male – a point I am by no means making to encourage simplistic gender generalisations.
Mesdames, because you listen your human consciences and your gut instincts, you are now, for a short period of time, in a position that will allow you both to embody the ‘spirit of Europe’, a giving Europe that has been the dream of many generations. Do not disappoint us.
Renaud Denuit.