December 31, 2020
2 mins read

Portugal set to take over EU Presidency

On January 1, 2021, Portugal is scheduled to assume the Presidency of the the EU Council for the fourth time…reports Asian Lite News

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said that his country will continue the “excellent work” done by Germany as it takes over the six-month rotating European Union (EU) Presidency.

On January 1, 2021, Portugal is scheduled to assume the Presidency of the the EU Council for the fourth time, reports Xinhua news agency.

In a video message on Wednesday, Costa congratulated German Chancellor Angela Merkel “on the excellent work at the helm of the EU”, highlighting “the joint purchase of vaccines and simultaneous distribution to all member states”, and the “approval of a robust response to the economic and social effects of the pandemic”.

According to Costa, the advances “demonstrate a EU close to its citizens, responding to their fears and meeting their expectations”.

“It is an honour and a huge responsibility for Portugal to receive this testimony from your hands and continue your work,” he said.

Costa said that the Portuguese EU Council Presidency will have “three main priorities”.

The first is “economic and social recovery, which will be driven by climate and digital transitions, factors of growth and the creation of more and better jobs”.

The second is “the development of the EU’s social pillar, creating a solid foundation of confidence that this double transition will be an opportunity for everyone and a guarantee that no one will be left behind”.

Thirdly, Portugal is committed to strengthening the “strategic autonomy of a European Union open to the world”, the Prime Minister added.

“It is now up to us to continue your work, with the motto of the Portuguese Presidency: it is time to act, for a fair, green and digital recovery,” he concluded.

Earlier on Wednesday, Merkel wished the Portuguese Prime Minister “much success”, stressing that Germany “will do everything within its power” to support Portugal.

Merkel said that for Germany “the central challenge was undoubtedly the coronavirus pandemic”, reiterating the importance of the unity of the 27 member states in confronting this challenge.

“I am convinced that together we will be stronger than the virus. This is what we are seeing these days: together Europe is promoting, purchasing and distributing vaccines,” she said, thanking the European Commission for its work and for ensuring that the EU is committed to making vaccines available in all countries, “because the pandemic knows no borders”.

Also read:China, EU Strike Trade And Investment Deal

Previous Story

Acute malnutrition in children at record-high

Next Story

‘The Hound Of The Baskervilles’ Ready For Digital Debut

Latest from -Top News

American missionary abducted in Niger

The US Embassy in Niamey issued a security alert warning that American citizens “remain at a heightened risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including in the capital city”…reports Asian Lite News An American

Ouattara predicted to win fourth term

Around 8.7 million Ivorians were registered to vote, though analysts had predicted a lower turnout compared with the last two elections, when participation slightly exceeded 50%…reports Asian Lite News Votes were being

Russia Fires at EU

Zakharova called the sanctions package “illegal” and “self-destructive”, while accusing Brussels of isolating itself on the international stage…reports Asian Lite News Russia’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has slammed the European Union’s

Mamdani Hits Back at Racism

Mamdani criticised rivals for spreading “hatred,” saying their Islamophobia harms him and nearly one million Muslims in New York….reports Asian Lite News New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on Friday delivered
Go toTop