Disinformation and cyber security ahead of the European elections in 2019, internal security, issues related to migration control, the development of the economic and monetary union, and of course, also the forthcoming Brexit: these are the main topics at the European Council, which starts in Brussels today.

With a view to the European elections in May 2019, the heads of state and government will consult on steps to safeguard internal security, announced Merkel. The goal is to create better rules for data processing, so that personal information - for example, from social media - cannot be abused for election campaign purposes.

In addition, the European Council wants to establish guidelines for dealing with parties, which actively pursue disinformation in their campaigns. "Ultimately, this also means considering financial sanctions in such cases. Because politics means responsibility," said Merkel.

Unity against cyber attacks

Another topic to be dealt with is the issue of cyber attacks. The aim is to prevent these attacks, and to warn each other in the event of such an attack, Merkel said. The EU Commission already submitted related proposals in 2017, for example for the establishment of a European network and information security agency.

The Chancellor called for national databases to be better connected, in order to be able to thwart terrorist attacks earlier. The attacks in Paris, Barcelona and Berlin have shown that the fight against terrorism is also an information race. "It is unacceptable that we cannot prevent attacks, because our IT systems are not compatible nationally and internationally. This must be addressed." Europe is not only determined - but also increasingly able - to protect its citizens, and thereby fulfil one of its most important promises, namely the promise of stability and security.

Migration: no national solo efforts

In matters related to migration, it is necessary to increase Europe’s ability to withstand crises, underlined Merkel. She also referred to the Citizens' Dialogues on the future of Europe, which are currently taking place Europe-wide. These have made clear that the vast majority of citizens do not favour solo efforts on a national basis when it comes to refugees and migration, but rather want European solutions. Not in isolation, but in cooperation.

Therefore, European cooperation on refugee and migration issues will also be a topic at the European Council. The goal is to combat human traffickers in a more targeted manner, and enhance cooperation of Europol with third countries. There is also the need for collective improvement regarding external border protection and repatriations, according to the Chancellor. Strengthening the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex should also be discussed. Here, the member states still have very different ideas.

However, we should not create false expectations related to the fair distribution of refugees in Europe. This is "an unresolved issue", emphasised the Chancellor.

She reiterated the importance of closer cooperation with the countries of origin and transit states. "The migration issue shows us that sustainable solutions to important questions can only be found together, and only in dialogue with countries outside of Europe." This applies not only to dialogue with the African countries, but to all strategic partners.

Strengthening the European Economic Area

As one of the world's most active trading nations, it is of great value to Germany not to be exposed to the whims of global capital movements as an individual country. "In turbulent times such as these, we can be glad to have a common currency in Europe, the Euro," stressed the Chancellor.

It remains the Federal Government’s core objective to further strengthen the European Economic Area’s stability and ability to withstand crises. In so doing, the primary responsibility of each member state in the currency union for its own economic and budgetary policy remains unchanged. "Every state in the Euro zone has the duty to ensure stability," stated the Chancellor clearly.

National policy has an impact on other Euro member states

At the same time, in the economic and monetary union, economies are so closely interwoven "that national policy will also always have an effect on the other member states," said Merkel. "Stable budgets are an important prerequisite for positive economic development in each country.

However, sound public finances are also a prerequisite for confidence in the monetary union." The Chancellor made it clear that she will resolutely ensure that Europe continues to maintain the principle: "Responsibility and solidarity, liability and control, these are two sides of the same coin."

Brexit: the sides have moved closer together

90 percent of the exit agreement with Great Britain is in place, but there has not yet been a breakthrough regarding the future of the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, summed up the Chancellor.

"It’s well known that the hardest part of negotiations comes at the end, and the devil is in the detail here," said Merkel. Therefore, it is important right now for both sides - and above all for the EU-27 in unison - to work towards a satisfactory solution on the basis of the European principles. The chance remains to achieve a good and sustainable withdrawal agreement on time, stressed the Chancellor.

Merkel once again emphasised: "I hope that even after its departure, Great Britain will remain a close and trusting partner for Europe." However, good governance also requires being prepared for all scenarios, including the possibility of an exit without an agreement. The Federal Government has already begun preparations in this regard.

Brexit - Germany is getting ready

It is nevertheless clear that in the negotiations with Great Britain, at the end there must always be - and will be - a difference between membership of the EU and a partnership as a third country.