On July 1, Germany took over the EU Council presidency from Croatia. The most important issues on the agenda, the German priorities for its mandate and the outlook of what many call a crisis presidency were discussed with high-ranking personnel from the Federal Foreign Office, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, and the representation of the Commission in Germany in the EBD Briefing on Monday, 29 June. Besides the historic challenge of navigating the EU through the Corona pandemic, there are many issues on the German agenda: the next EU budget, a Brexit agreement, EU-China and EU-Africa relations, the conflict in the Middle East, accession talks with the Western Balkans and the upcoming US elections. Nevertheless, the briefing highlighted the great potential and influence that the German presidency can have on EU politics. EM Germany president Dr. Linn Selle signaled satisfaction with some of the priorities of the presidency, such as the Conference on the future of Europe, but also highlighted that there was some catching up to do in regards to transparency. A summary of the briefing can be found here.

Meanwhile, EM Germany is planning ahead and organizing a new format with regards to the Germany presidency. On July 3, the event series EBD-Briefing: Kommission direkt in cooperation with the representation of the European Commission in Germany will launch with a first prominent guest: Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission and commissioner for interinstitutional relations and foresight. On the most important dossiers of the informal Councils in July, the dialogue series will bring together EU Commissioners for discussion with the professional public and intends to strengthen the links between Brussels and Berlin. More information on the event series here.