Germany and Luxembourg will continue their good cooperation in the EU, said Chancellor Merkel during Luxembourg PM Bettel's inaugural visit to Berlin. "We would like to see progress on the Banking Union, and on the issue of closer cooperation within the eurozone", Merkel went on to say.
"Germany and Luxembourg are extremely closely linked in political, economic and cultural terms", declared the Chancellor. Especially in a year like this one, in which one historical remembrance day follows another, there is a firm intention on the part of the two states to continue their close and cordial cooperation. This applies to both bilateral relations and to good cooperation for the European Union as a whole.
The Chancellor and Luxembourg’s Prime Minister discussed a wide range of issues, particularly those relating to Europe. "We would like to see progress on the Banking Union, and on the issue of closer cooperation within the eurozone", said Angela Merkel.
Their talks also touched on growth in the eurozone. "After the last few difficult years, we are now seeing success", stated Angela Merkel. The latest indicators in particular point to a slight upswing in Europe. It is however important to remain competitive at global level. "I think Luxembourg and Germany see things the same way here."
The Chancellor noted that Europeans are called on to act together, not only for historical reasons, but so they can shape the future. "In view of the conflicts we have around the world, we can see how important it is for Europe to speak with one voice." In this context, she mentioned negotiations about Iran’s nuclear programme and worldwide climate change mitigation. "Only if Europe acts together will we be able to fully develop our potential, and our strength", said the Chancellor.
Press release
Press release (in French) © Service information et presse
The two Finance Ministers, Germany's Wolgang Schäuble and Luxemburg's Pierre Gramegna, also met in Berlin, for an overview on financial news and to discuss issues in the fields of financial services and taxation. Gramegna highlighted that the size of any economic sector, irrespective of the Member State, should be assessed in relation to the size of the European internal market. This should also apply for Luxembourg's financial centre with its strong international dimension. According to the Minister, considering the economic performance of a country relative to its own size would be contrary to the very principle of the internal market and could lead to fragmentation.
Press release (in French) © Service information et presse
© Bundeskanzleramt
Key
Hover over the blue highlighted
text to view the acronym meaning
Hover
over these icons for more information
Comments:
No Comments for this Article