#EU2020DE

On 1 July, Germany takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union with the rallying cry ‘Together for Europe’s recovery.’ Germany is assuming the Presidency at a time when the world is grappling with the coronavirus pandemic and all its impacts, from rising infection and death rates, overburdened health systems and social distancing to collapsing economies, a slowdown in global trade, huge debts and growing poverty. The pandemic and global health will have major influences on Germany’s Presidency across all areas, but particularly in development cooperation as it seeks global solutions to a global challenge. Beyond the German Presidency, GIZ continues to provide political and strategic advice on EU processes throughout the Trio Presidency of Germany, Slovenia and Portugal (1 July 2020 - 31 December 2021).