The article of the Mayor of Deryneia is as follows:
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union this semester, attended the last hybrid meeting of the European Committee of the Regions (EGC), in which she analyzed her country's goals and priorities for a better Europe. .
The President of the EETP, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, in his introductory speech asked Europe to be closer to the citizen, thanking the Chancellor for her efforts for a strong Europe. Despite the fatigue, which was intense in Merkel's face and the constant communication with her associates during the speech of the President of the EETP, she briefly presented the priorities of her country and answered questions from the members of the EETP.
Merkel acknowledged the difficulties facing the EU. with the increased cases of coronavirus and called on the local authorities to contribute to the compliance of the citizens by implementing the restrictive measures, in order to avoid unpleasant developments and not to lose other lives. He made special reference to the need to avoid other strict restrictions and stressed the importance of maintaining distances, the use of a mask and the continuation of economic activity and the operation of hospitals and schools. The frequent movements of citizens by public transport, he stressed, make it difficult to implement protection measures and called on citizens to limit unnecessary movements.
As for the image that citizens have of Europe, it supports a Europe in solidarity with its citizens, and did not hesitate to thank the municipalities and regions for the excellent work they are doing to improve this image. He also called on local authorities to support the proposed € 1,8 billion Recovery Fund, which he hopes will be implemented by early 2021. Dealing with the coronavirus crisis, he said, should be long-term and targeted.
The digital transition, Europe 's competitiveness and especially climate change are high on the agenda of the German Presidency. The chancellor referred to the proposal he made last July for a global solution to climate change, arguing that only if Europe had a leading role would the already strained environment be protected, even proposing the adoption of a European law on climate change.
He made special mention of the asylum and immigration issue at the reception center in Moria and the need to improve living conditions in refugee / immigrant reception centers. The European Commission's immigration policy proposal includes a new asylum policy, recognizing on the one hand the lack of a European immigration and asylum policy and, on the other, immigration as Europe's most difficult problem, Germany.
Merkel wants a multilateral agreement with the United Kingdom and EU member states. on the difficult issue of Brexit, while she did not hesitate to express her support for Ireland and her desire for an agreement and for her stay in the EU.
The most important element in the Chancellor's short speech, which satisfies the members of the EGF, is the recognition of the difficult work done by the local authorities, actively supporting the viability of the municipalities, communities and regions, which he considers as possible institutions for the creation of a a strong Europe that can meet all the challenges.
Merkel has therefore shown that she values the local authorities, the closeness and solidarity they offer to European citizens. She concluded that she wants a Europe of solidarity and the maintenance of good relations between the EU member states, sending the members of the EGF the message of a "Strong Europe Together", as well as her greetings from the German capital. .
Andros Karagiannis, Mayor of Deryneia