Responding to questions on the situation in Ukraine, they stressed the role of the EU in finding solutions. "There is no solution without the EU," von der Leyen said, referring to the steps the EU has already taken to help its neighbour, while Macron noted that the understanding between Europe and the US on Russia's actions is excellent, adding that he had discussed at length with President Biden before the latter's talks with President Putin.
The EU, Macron said, must have a dialogue with Russia as "dialogue does not mean retreat."
Asked about his recent statement that he wants to "irritate" the unvaccinated to get them to get vaccinated, Mr. Macron stressed that being a citizen entails rights but also responsibilities.
The freedom not to be vaccinated stops where the freedom of others begins, he noted, adding that refusing vaccination "not only endangers the lives of others, but limits the freedom of others."
In his remarks, President Macron underlined that the discussions held between the College of Commissioners and members of the French government revealed a common will to make progress on a number of legislative proposals and issues. He added that he had presented all areas of cooperation in December and expressed the hope that the next six months would be useful.
Regarding the decarbonisation effort, Macron referred to the targets for agreement on the carbon border adjustment mechanism and the targets for reducing carbon emissions from transport.
He particularly underlined the objectives of the digital agenda, which concern both the regulation of the digital market and the regulation of content on digital platforms, referring to the creation of a "truly European model".
On security issues, he referred to the informal meetings of defence and foreign ministers in Brest on 12-14 January, the African Union-European Union summit in February, which will touch on issues such as migration and mobility, and the informal summit in March on a new model for Europe's development and autonomy.
The French President also referred to the geopolitical situations that create the need for Europe to act in unity, referring in particular to the situation in Ukraine.
Among the objectives, she added, are social justice and ensuring equality.
In her own remarks, Ms. von der Leyen said that France takes over the Presidency of the Council at a critical juncture, referring to the vaccination effort and the sending of vaccines outside the EU.
She stressed, however, that the Commission is not forgetting other issues such as the situation in Ukraine and underlined the importance of a country like France taking over the Presidency with its own "clear and strong" voice, which believes in the values of the EU.
Ms. Von der Leyen listed the priorities for the coming months: progress towards the 2030 climate targets and in terms of the economy, the digital transition and ensuring that big companies respect their obligations, and strengthening the EU's economic model in a competitive and socially responsible way.
She also added that the aim is to make the minimum corporate tax agreed among the OSCE countries a reality.
Regarding border management and strengthening the security of the Schengen area, Ms. von der Leyen stressed that the aim is to keep the EU's internal borders open, referring to the relevant proposal tabled in December. She added, however, that better management of the external borders is also needed, including by better dealing with people smugglers.
On defence, she spoke of the need for a defence union that can also deal with hybrid threats, and stressed that there must be agreement on what threats the EU faces through the Strategic Compass.
Finally, with regard to relations with Africa, he referred to a key partner, which, due to its geographical location and demographic trends, will be a crucial player in tomorrow's world.
Source: CNA
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