The chair of the network, German Minister for Europe Michael Roth, called for a European budget that promotes social wellbeing, innovation and sustainability across Europe.
Roth said:
“The fundamental role of the European budget is to ensure cohesion, convergence and growth. It is the main tool Europe has to invest in the future, to bring countries closer together, and to make sure our children and grandchildren have a good life. When negotiating the European Budget both the short and long term must be kept in mind. Our ambition today, shapes the Europe of tomorrow. I want a bright Europe for tomorrow.”
The Ministers continued their discussion on the state of the rule of law in Europe.
Roth added:
“Democracy and the rule of law cannot be interpreted freely. All Member States have to abide to the same clear set of rules. We will continue keeping a close eye on the issue. And we will continue supporting the great work that the EU Commission’s First Vice President Frans Timmermans is carrying out.”
The meeting was attended by:
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Michael Roth, Minister of State for Europe, Chair, Germany
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Helena Dalli, Minister for European Affairs and Equality, Malta
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Ana Paula Zacarias, Secretary of State for European Affairs, Portugal
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Hans Dahlgren, Minister for EU Affairs, Sweden
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Frans Timmermans, First Vice President of the European Commission, European Commission
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George Katrougalos, Foreign Affairs Ministers, Greece (observer)
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Maria Joao Rodrigues, Vice President of the S&D Group, chair of the PES FEN Network, European Parliament
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Javier Moreno, Secretary General of the S&D Group, European Parliament