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From 1 January 2021, Portugal will succeed Germany in the office, assuming the Council Presidency of the EU for six months. In July, Slovenia will hold the Presidency. Until the end of 2021, the three countries will be part of the EU trio presidency.
Federal Environment Minister Svenja Schulze:
Germany and Portugal have worked together very successfully on environment and climate policy within the trio presidency. Particularly in these difficult times, cohesion between EU partners is especially important. Today’s meeting is further proof of our excellent cooperation and facilitates continuity and a seamless transfer of the Council Presidency.
Portuguese Environment Minister João Pedro Matos Fernandes:
I would like to thank Svenja for the close cooperation and this useful meeting today. The German Presidency faced serious challenges due to the pandemic, but nonetheless deftly managed to advance key dossiers like the European Climate Law. We are ready and very well prepared to continue and conclude this successful work.
Portugal will move forward on various dossiers that were first presented under the German Council Presidency. For instance, Portugal will continue the trilogue with the European Parliament on the European Climate Law and prepare for Council conclusions on the European Chemicals Strategy. Portugal is also prioritising adaptation to climate change, the 8th Environment Action Programme and the new legislative framework for batteries.
Germany and Portugal will remain in close contact in the upcoming six months of the Portuguese Presidency. In addition, the Federal Environment Ministry will do all it can to assist Portugal, for example in the area of chemicals. Two BMU staff members will support the Portuguese Presidency teams in Lisbon and Brussels.