Name? Angela Merkel
Westphalian identity? German
Age? 65
Why is she in the news? Germany’s Presidency of the European Council begins today!
Why do we care? There are high expectations for the next six months within the EU. Not only is a 750 billion euro package on the table, but also the European budget for the next seven years. That is a lot of money we (young people) will have to repay someday…
Why should you care? If you are European, this money will involve you in one of two ways: Northern Europeans, this is your money. Southern Europeans, you are receiving this money. If you are non-European, you might want to pay close attention because if Merkel is able to carry out her plans, we might see a prototype for large scale investments into a more sustainable future.
Who else cares? Emmanuel Macron. A year ago he was the driving force behind von der Leyen’s election as President of the Commission. And guess who is taking over the Presidency of the European Council in one year? Correct, Macron! Way to assert your agenda! When he was elected three years ago as President of France, he presented himself as a great European with a vision. This is his last chance to implement that vision. Since national legislation is not his strong suit, he desperately needs to succeed on the European level to secure his reelection in 2022.
Any further comments? Merkel has been reluctant to display Germany as an influential global player demanding a role of leadership. But the next six months come with the highest expectations in history, and rightfully so. With Christine Lagard in charge of the European Central Bank, von der Leyen in control of the European Commission and Angela Merkel stirring the Presidency of the European Council, all necessary institutions are in line and ready to legislate. (Go female leaders!) Sorry to the Parliament, but you really do not matter here.
