Speech by the Prime Minister at the European Parliament - Presentation of the priorities of the portuguese presidency of the Council of the European Union

(...) this crisis has proven how important the European Union is, ensuring equal access for all European citizens to the eagerly awaited vaccination against COVID-19, in its joint and robust response to the economic and social crisis, in the assurance of financial stability.

(...)

The beginning of the vaccination process, the approval of the Multiannual Financial Framework and the Next Generation EU Programme have opened the doorway to hope. 

Portugal is thus taking over the Presidency of the Council at a moment that is decisive for setting in motion, implementing and putting into practice the historic decisions we have made in recent months. 

This is why we have chosen the motto: Time to Deliver: A fair, greem and digital recovery.

A motto that clearly summarises the three main priorities of the Portuguese Presidency:

- The first is the economic and social recovery of Europe through the twin climate and digital transitions;

- The second is to develop the Social Pillar of the European Union, ensuring that these twin transitions leave nobody behind;

- The third is strengthening the strategic autonomy of a European Union open to the world.

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