Foreign trips
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Progress in the Western Balkans
In Poznan, Chancellor Angela Merkel and the heads of state and government of the Western Balkan states, other EU states, and representatives of the EU have sought to identify ways to better master conflicts in the Western Balkan region through enhanced cooperation. In spite of continued political difficulties, significant progress has been made, said the Chancellor.
Discussions on top jobs postponed
The heads of state and government could not reach agreement on filling the top jobs in the European Union at their special summit in Brussels. They will now continue their discussions on Tuesday morning. "It is complicated, but I hope that it is feasible with the good will of all participants," said Chancellor Angela Merkel after the talks.
Important signals on trade, digitalisation and climate protection
The second day of the G20 Summit in Osaka focussed on women's rights, sustainability and climate change. In their final declaration, the 20 leading industrial and emerging countries committed themselves to free and fair trade, a reform of the WTO, new rules in light of digitalisation, and to climate protection.
Progress on climate action
At the first meeting of the European Council since the European elections, the heads of state and government discussed the main issues that the EU will be addressing over the next five years. All EU member states stand by the Paris Agreement on climate, said Chancellor Angela Merkel. A large majority of states, including Germany, is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. In an effort to come to an agreement on appointments to the top EU posts, the European Council is to meet again on 30 June.
Working together for peace and liberty
The landing of Allied troops in Normandy on 6 June 1944 ushered in the beginning of the end of the Second World War. This year marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day. The Chancellor was one of the dignitaries attending the commemoration celebrations in Portsmouth.
Chancellor's speech at Harvard
In the USA, Chancellor Angela Merkel has been awarded an honorary doctor of law degree by Harvard University. At the 368th Commencement Exercises, or graduation, she gave the Commencement Speech in front of the graduates of the university – and gave them six thoughts to take with them for their future.
Proving the EU is able to act
In Brussels, Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for a consensus to be reached on the top level posts now to be filled in the EU institutions. "Each one of us must demonstrate tolerance and be willing to compromise," she said. The EU leaders met at a special summit in order to discuss the outcome of the European elections and filling the top posts within the EU institutions.
"We must be united"
Chancellor Angela Merkel is attending the informal meeting of the heads of state and government of the European Union in Sibiu. The focus is on the strategic agenda for the work of the EU institutions over the five years to come. Before the meeting, Angela Merkel called for unity. "We must be innovative, we must be strong, and we must be united."
Stepping up cooperation with the Sahel region
The Chancellor has visited three of the G5 Sahel states in Africa: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Her main concern was to work with the African partner states to forge ahead with regional solutions and to further step up cooperation.
EU agrees to another Brexit extension
The 27 remaining EU states and Great Britain have agreed to extend the deadline for Brexit until 31 October. Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke of an intensive evening, which showed the consensus of the EU. For Germany, it has always been clear "that we are committed to and will fight for an orderly withdrawal."