Portugal’s EU Presidency to focus on economic recovery: PM

Lisbon, Jan 16 : Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa met the College of European Commissioners led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss the program and priorities of the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU).
During the meeting here on Friday, Costa said that the priority of the Portuguese presidency will be “economic recovery” to “ensure that all the instruments that were built become effective” and that the EU support funds reach the 27 member countries, reports Xinhua news agency.
All the EU financial instruments have to be made operational as soon as possible, he said.
In a joint conference later in the day with von der Leyen, Costa said the second priority is to ensure the social dimension of Europe is duly put forward in the face of challenges linked to climate change and the digital transition and without leaving anybody behind.
Von der Leyen said that the European Commission will support a fast, smooth rollout of vaccines in the European Union.
She also highlighted the importance of the EU’s transatlantic ties and its relations with Africa and India.