The Presidency of the Council of the European Union

 
présidence polonaiseThe presidency of the Council of the European Union, also known as the presidency of the European Union (EU), is taken in turn by each of the 27 countries of the European Union, according to a rotation system for a predetermined period of six months. The order of rotation is determined unanimously by the Council of the EU, based on the principle of alternating between "major" and "minor" member states. The presidency change takes place on January 1st and July 1st each year.

With the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union is coupled with a stable presidency of the European Council. The current president of the European Council is the Belgian Herman Van Rompuy for a period of two and a half years.

The Council of the European Union meets to discuss specific subjects, each member state is represented by a minister.Conseil européen de Strasbourg 8 et 9 décembre 1989Now, it's rotating presidency decides the political agenda and chairs the discussions between the various ministers such as the minister of finance, the minister of the interior, etc. A note worthy exception is the meetings of the ministers of Foreign Affiars, that are chaired by Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

For efficiency, the rotating presidencies are grouped by three to define their priorities. Poland, Denmark, and Cyprus and have defined the program for the next 18 months.

For more information, visit the website of the Presidency of the EU today

CONSILIUM - Presidency websites:

Photo: European Council in Strasbourg on 8 and December 9, 1989 © European Communities

 

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European diary


    • 23 june 2013

      Luxembourg National Day

    • June 23th marks the anniversary of the sovereign of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Originally celebrated on 23 January, the birthday of the Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, June 23 was chosen since 1961 due to climatic conditions which fit with outdoor celebrations.
      On this day,       two major events punctuate the celebrations: the Te Deum in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Luxembourg and the taking up of arms, accompanied by a civilian event, organized the Liberty avenue in Luxembourg.

    • 25 june 2013

      Slovenia National Day

    • The National Day commemorates the independence of Slovenia, obtained in 1991.
      The first Slovenes, the Slavic people, settled down in current Slovenia, at the borders of the Italy, Austria and Hungary, during the fourth century.
      Since the eighth century, Slovenia was       incorporated into various empires or states. The last one was ex-Yugoslavia from which it would become independent in 1991.
      Its independance was recognized by Germany in December, 1991 and by the international community in January of the following year.

    • From 27 june 2013 to 28 june 2013

      European Council Meeting

    • The European Council meets at least twice every six months in the Justus Lipsius building in Brussels. It comprises the heads of state or government of the EU Member States and the President of the European Commission. It is chaired by its President, Herman Van Rompuy. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs also takes part in its meetings.
    • Place: European Council
      Justus Lipsius building
      Rue de la Loi 175
      1048 Brussels