“It is an honor and a great responsibility for Portugal to accept this handover and to continue the work Germany has begun,” Costa said.

Costa underlined that the joint purchase of the vaccines that will guarantee simultaneous distribution all EU Member States, and the approval of a robust respond to the economic and social consequences of the pandemic, show a European Union close to its citizens responding to their fears and expectations.

Costa emphasized that it is an honor and a huge responsibility for Portugal to receive this baton from Germany and to continue its work.

Portugal will assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 January 2021, the second in the Trio Presidency, which commenced with Germany in June 2020 and will conclude with Slovenia in the second half of 2021. (ILKHA)