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At their meeting, Angela Merkel and Alexander de Croo spoke about climate change, the rule of law and migration
Photo: YVES HERMAN / REUTERS
At a meeting with the Belgian Prime Minister, the outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel warned the EU against taking sanctions too quickly in the dispute with EU members Poland and Hungary.
It is normal for disputes in the EU to end up at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) again and again, she said during a visit to Brussels on Friday.
"But to believe that political differences ... can only be resolved through legal proceedings, I don't think so," she said.
Therefore, she is a little concerned about the multitude of legal proceedings.
What is needed now is more in-depth discussions.
Decision of the ECJ "wait and see"
Merkel also demanded that the ECJ's decision on complaints from Poland and Hungary about the so-called rule of law mechanism should be awaited.
This is a procedure for the proper use of EU money.
"I think we can wait for this decision of the ECJ for now," she said, and added: "Since Poland and Hungary have gone there, they are also prepared to accept this ruling." She is "completely convinced" of that.
The background to this are demands in the EU and in the European Parliament to take tougher action against the national-conservative governments in Poland and Hungary, which are accused of violating the rule of law of the EU in judicial and media policy.
At the meeting, Merkel expressed her conviction that the upcoming new traffic light coalition would continue Germany's pro-European course.
"This is an important message for the other member states of the European Union," said Merkel.
Merkel said she was often asked from Germany's neighboring countries how the future federal government would act.
"I can say with complete certainty that it will be a government that is pro-European, that knows what Europe means to us for peace and freedom," emphasized the outgoing Chancellor.
Even if her own party no longer belongs to the government, "this pro-European orientation will continue to exist."
Merkel and the Belgian Prime Minister met for talks in the Egmont Palace in central Brussels.
They spoke about international and European efforts to limit climate change, as well as trade, rule of law and migration.
Merkel previously received the Grand Cross of the Order of Leopold ("Grand Cordon de l'Ordre de Léopold") from King Philippe of Belgium for services during her 16-year term in office.
"I consider it a very great honor," said Merkel.
muk / AFP / dpa
