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Germany in Europe

Germany held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2007, the first six months of the "triple presidency," to be followed by Portugal and Slovenia. Catch up on the progress made during the German Presidency, read updates on the EU's role in the international community, treaty reform and other ongoing issues, and find links to EU-related sites.

Latest News

Foreign Minister Steinmeier Proposes EU Action Plan for Middle East

At the Lisbon Informal European Council the EU foreign ministers endorsed the EU action plan for the Middle East proposed by Steinmeier. The point of the EU action plan is to support the process of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
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Chancellor Merkel on Lisbon: EU Has Regained Its Capacity to Act

The heads of state and government negotiated long into the early hours before finally reaching agreement on the Reform Treaty in Lisbon. The treaty is intended to lay new foundations for making the EU ready for the challenges of the 21st century.
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Chancellor Merkel: We Have Set the Course for a New Common Basis

"The Reform Treaty is necessary so that Europe can hold its course. The European Council hopes that the Intergovernmental Conference can be convened before the end of July," Chancellor Merkel said before the European Parliament at the end of Germany's Presidency.

Foreign Minister Steinmeier: Taking Stock of Germany's EU Presidency

Germany set itself the aim during its EU Presidency of strengthening the EU's transparency and effectiveness and of promoting concrete decisions to benefit Europe's citizens. The latest Eurobarometer shows impressively that at the end of the German Presidency approval of the EU has reached the highest level in 10 years.

A Good Day for Europe - German Presidency Paves Way to Treaty Reform

The German Council Presidency has overcome a mammoth task in Brussels: after almost 36 hours of negotiations, it has paved the way for treaty reform in the EU - with the participation of Poland. An intergovernmental conference will draw up the new treaty in detail.

Compromises Will be Needed at EU Council in Brussels

The German Presidency is hoping that the European Council on June 21 and 22 will issue a mandate for an Intergovernmental Conference to formulate all the details for a new European treaty. This is only possible if the meeting first clears up all remaining points of dispute.

EU Foreign Ministers Meet with Israeli FM Livni, Assure President Abbas of Their Full Support

EU Foreign Ministers called upon the European Commission to take the necessary steps as quickly as possible in order to strengthen the emergency government led by the independent Prime Minister Salam Fayyad but also to continue humanitarian aid, projects in Gaza Strip.

Chancellor Merkel on Constitutional Treaty: Europe is at Stake

"After two years to reflect and six months of in-depth discussions, it is time to take a great step forwards," Chancellor Merkel said of the European Constitutional treaty in advance of the European Council and in summing up Germany's work as EU President.

EU Presidency Statement on the Situation in the Palestinian Territories

The EU Presidency condemns in the strongest possible terms the violent seizure of power by illegal Hamas militia in the Gaza Strip. It condemns the killing of innocent civilians and members of the legal security forces.

EU Presidency Welcomes Special Tribunal for Lebanon

"The Presidency of the European Union welcomes UN Security Council Resolution 1757 (2007) to establish a special tribunal to deal with the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and other political killings in Lebanon."

Middle East Quartet Issues Statement After Meeting in Berlin

The Middle East Quartet, consisting of the UN, the EU, the US and the Russian Federation, reconvened in Berlin on May 30. Foreign Minister Steinmeier invited the Quartet members to Berlin in view of the very tense situation in the Middle East at present.

Asian & European Foreign Ministers Agree on Need for Post-2012 Climate Regime

In the Presidency’s final statement, which had been submitted to all Asia-Europe Meeting members, the foreign ministers meeting in Hamburg underline the need for a global and comprehensive post-2012 climate regime.

Close EU-US Cooperation in Efforts Against Organized Crime, International Terrorism

Interior Minister Schäuble and Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff met with a European Parliament committee to discuss ongoing negotiations on EU-US cooperation in the field of data protection as part of joint efforts against international terrorism and crime.

EU Welcomes International Compact with Iraq

The EU is ready to continue to develop a close co-operation and partnership with Iraq in accordance with the priorities indicated in the International Compact and Iraq's National Development Strategy.
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EU/US Summit – Improving European-US Economic Cooperation

At the EU/US Summit in Washington on Monday, Chancellor Angela Merkel, as EU Council President, President Bush and European Commission President Barroso adopted a significant agreement on a framework for transatlantic economic integration.
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Open Skies Agreement to Benefit Consumers, Airlines and EU-US Ties

"There will be a further improvement in air services between Germany, Europe and the United States of America," Transport Minister Tiefensee said of the Open Skies Agreement. "Increasing competition will have a positive impact on ticket prices."
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EU Troika and Russia Discuss Partnership & Cooperation

An important topic of the EU Troika meeting with Russia this week was the further development of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Russia and the EU. The agreement was originally signed by the late Boris Yeltsin.
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EU to Set Up Warning System on Expelled Terrorist Suspects

The EU Council of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers meeting in Luxembourg has decided to set up a mutual information mechanism on third-country nationals who have been expelled by a Member State in connection with terrorist activities.
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EU Presidency Condemns Attack on Iraqi Parliament

"This was an attack on a major symbol of the nascent Iraqi democracy. The Iraqi people, by holding elections and referendums under extremely difficult conditions, have proved that they want to shape their country in a peaceful and democratic fashion."
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EU Presidency Statement on the Iranian Nuclear Program

The Presidency of the European Union has noted with great concern the announcement by Iran that it intends to begin uranium enrichment on an industrial scale.
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EU & US Discuss Freedom of Travel, Data Protection and Counter-terrorism Cooperation

Interior Minister Schäuble: "Threats facing the US and Europe alike require a joint response and cannot be managed by going it alone. Together, the European Union and the United States have the necessary influence to deal with the global challenges of the 21st century.
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EU - On the Release of the British Naval Personnel by Iran

The Presidency of the European Union welcomes the release of the 15 British naval personnel, hoping that Iran will now avail itself of the opportunity to work with the international community and the European Union to find solutions in other areas.
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Chancellor Merkel Completes Middle East Tour

On a three-day tour of the Middle East, Chancellor Merkel met with Israeli Prime Minister Olmert, Palestinian President Abbas, Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Lebanese Prime Minister Siniora. She also visited German Naval personnel serving in UNIFIL.
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EU – Progress Made in Mine Eradication and Helping Mine Victims

“The overall goal of the European Union is that there should be no more anti-personnel mine victims. This target is ambitious, but can be achieved if all states demonstrate the necessary determination and combine their efforts towards this end.”
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EU Foreign Ministers Discuss Middle East, Darfur, Somalia

In addition to statements on Iran, the EU foreign ministers meeting informally in Bremen discussed developments in the Middle East, the situation in Darfur and Somalia.
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