Member states’ expectations towards the German Council Presidency

In this respect, it is notable that neither the EU’s relations to China – the original main focus of the German presidency before the pandemic started – nor to the US, with its decisive presidential election in November this year, seem to be a priority for the presidency, in the view of the other member states. [...] Regarding the Conference on the Future of Europe, Austria expects the German presidency to move swiftly to prepare the ground, with the aim to get it started in the autumn. [...] 6 Member states’ expectations towards the German Council presidency Bulgaria: consolidation of the EU and Bulgaria’s position within it by Antoinette Primatarova The reinforced long-term budget of the EU for 2021-2027 and the Next Generation EU recovery instrument will be at the core of the German presidency. [...] The Next Generation EU recovery plan and the reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) are at the top of the agenda, for policy circles and the public alike. [...] This is because of the ongoing negotiation of the Multiannual Financial 12 Member states’ expectations towards the German Council presidency Framework (MFF) 2021-2027, Brexit negotiations, and relations between the EU and the USA, that will shape the political and economic future of the EU.