European Union - Amélie de Montchalin’s participation in the video conference of ministers for European affairs (22 April 2020)

Amélie de Montchalin, Minister of State for European Affairs, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, took part in the informal meeting of ministers for European affairs today via video conference.

On the eve of the meeting of heads of state and government, the ministers discussed the response by the EU and its member states to the Covid-19 crisis.

This meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the joint efforts needed to resolve the crisis and prepare for its aftermath. The minister underscored the importance of implementing a joint strategy to end the crisis and getting to work immediately on developing an ambitious economic recovery plan. She also called for vigilance when it comes to abiding by the rule of law and fundamental liberties in the measures taken by member states to respond to the crisis and supported the efforts undertaken by the European Commission.

Finally, Amélie de Montchalin reaffirmed France’s desire to think about the aftermath of the crisis, using the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe, which will help involve citizens in discussions on ways to increase solidarity in Europe and make it more responsive, more sovereign and give it greater strategic autonomy, especially in crucial sectors.