Policy recommendations for the Portuguese Council Presidency: between finishing unfinished business and setting its own mark. College of Europe Policy Brief December 2020.

Pirozzi, Nicoletta and Tekin, Funda and Toygür, Ilke (2020) Policy recommendations for the Portuguese Council Presidency: between finishing unfinished business and setting its own mark. College of Europe Policy Brief December 2020. [Policy Paper]

PDF - Published Version Download (267Kb)

Abstract

During the first semester of 2021, Portugal will be holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA) prepared a set of recommendations for the incoming Presidency. Generally, the Portuguese Presidency is well advised to aim at accomplishing three things: first, finishing unfinished business including acting on key decisions taken during the German Presidency; second, setting a mark of its own by focusing on a resilient, social and green Europe; and third, successfully initiating relations with the new Biden Administration so as to restore faith in the transatlantic relationship. Specifically, as an example of solidarity and responsibility in migration and integration policy, Portugal could substantially contribute to making the new Pact on Migration and Asylum a reality. On the important issue of digitalization in the EU, Portugal can start sowing the seeds for the next steps by attaching a digital signature to the creation of a European ‘e-identity’. Regarding external action, Portugal should aim to strengthen the African Union-EU partnership by promoting investments in infrastructure, manufacturing and the diversification of exports. The EU should also support Africa in the fourth industrial revolution. Finally, in relation to trade, the Portuguese Presidency should accelerate the ratification of the trade deal with Mercosur. The ratification of this bi-regional agreement has implications far beyond.

Actions (login required)