David McAllister: Plenary speech on the presentation of the programme of activities of the Portuguese Presidency
31383
post-template-default,single,single-post,postid-31383,single-format-standard,cookies-not-set,et_divi_builder,qode-social-login-1.1.2,qode-restaurant-1.1.1,stockholm-core-1.0.5,tribe-no-js,page-template-stockholm,select-theme-ver-9.9,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,vertical_menu_enabled,menu-animation-underline,side_area_uncovered,,qode_menu_,et-pb-theme-stockholm,et-db,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-7.6,vc_responsive
20. Januar 2021 In Aktuell, EN, Videos

David McAllister: Plenary speech on the presentation of the programme of activities of the Portuguese Presidency

David McAllister: Plenary Speach on the presentation of the programme of activities of the Portuguese Presidency


20 January 2021



President,

Dear colleagues,

Dear Minister!

Portugal’s Presidency of the Council has begun during an unprecedented time. A lot of priorities are on the agenda, such as tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring the economic recovery of Europe.

Besides all these enormous challenges, I am particularly thankful that Portugal has decided to put a strong focus on the external affairs during the next six months.

Strengthening multilateralism and affirming the European Union as a global player is today more important than ever – as we discussed yesterday with the HR/VP Josep Borrell during the debate on our Common Foreign and Security Policy. 

The proposals from the Portugese Presidency to strengthen the EU relations with India, with Africa and with Latin America – to name just three – are a key step in promoting the role of the EU on the global stage.

The next months will also be decisive to establish a fruitful cooperation with the United Kingdom and the new US administration.

For all these important priorities, I wish you the best. The Foreign Affairs Committee is looking forward to working closely together with you.

Obrigado!