Under the slogan Time to Act: For a Fair, Green, and Digital Recovery, Portugal begins its fourth Presidency of the Council of the European Union, focusing on five priorities aligned with the objectives of the EU’s Strategic Agenda:
- Strengthening Europe’s resilience,
- Promoting trust in the European social model,
- Promoting a sustainable recovery,
- Accelerating a fair and inclusive digital transition,
- Reaffirming the EU’s role in the world, ensuring it is based on openness and multilateralism.
Time to Act: For a Fair, Green, and Digital Recovery is synonymous with the pillars that will structure its Presidency. Social justice, environmental protection, and digital change are key to the European Union’s recovery. Portugal takes over from Germany, marking the third Presidency facing the enormous challenges posed by Covid-19 at the community level, such as the implementation of the multiannual financial framework, the recovery plan, and the complex vaccination campaign. The vaccination strategy is an absolute priority on the EU’s agenda to launch a “true union for health”.
Furthermore, the European Union faces internal challenges as a result of the negotiations over recovery funds, which have caused divisions between Union member states. It is vital to regain consensus among members for the effective implementation of the recovery plans, which will be a key tool in minimizing the economic and social impact of the pandemic.
Additionally, the European Union faces external challenges, largely shaped by two scenarios: Brexit and the new Administration in the United States. Negotiations with the United Kingdom are ongoing following the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom signed on December 30, marking the start of the transition period. On the other hand, with Joe Biden’s arrival at the White House, the European Union has an opportunity to revitalize relations with the United States.
Finally, another priority of the Portuguese Presidency is to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy and multilateralism. First, Europe’s relevance and its capacity to influence in the international context have declined in favor of countries such as China or India. The second factor became evident during the first months of the pandemic due to the EU’s dependency on essential healthcare products. The Union needs to diversify its supply sources and encourage member states and their companies to increase the production of strategic goods. Brussels has already taken steps in this direction following the recent creation of the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA), which proposes actions to reduce dependency on third countries, promote responsible and environmentally sustainable sourcing, and diversify supply sources.
Aranzazu Álvarez