Mark Rutte in Berlin
The Chancellor expected her meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to result in "intensive discussion", she said in advance of talks. The focus was on European issues, when the two heads of government met, only a few days before the informal meeting of the European Council this Friday.
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Talks a few days before the informal meeting of the European Council
Photo: Bundesregiierung/Zahn
The EU’s multiannual financial framework, Brexit and the future of the euro zone were the main topics that the Chancellor and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands wanted to address on Monday evening. "The European agenda is a matter of great importance for us," declared Angela Merkel before the meeting. The international situation was another point on the agenda.
Before the informal European Council meeting
The heads of state and government of the EU27 are to come together this Friday (23 February) in Brussels for an informal meeting. They will be discussing the multiannual financial framework as of 2020, as well as the composition of the European Parliament following the 2019 elections, and whether or not there are to be transnational lead candidates this time round.
On the death of Ruud Lubbers
Angela Merkel also expressed her condolences on the death of the Dutch politician Ruud Lubbers, Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 1982 to 1994. He was the longest-serving head of government in the history of the Netherlands. From 2001 to 2005 he served as UN High Commissioner for Refugees.