Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union
1 January – 30 June 2024.
Belgium will focus on six thematic areas for its work during the presidency:
- Defending the rule of law, democracy and unity.
- Strengthening competitiveness.
- A green and just energy and climate transition.
- Reinforcing the social and health agenda.
- Protecting people and borders.
- Promoting a global Europe.
Belgium will be assuming the rotating presidency of the Council for the 13th time; continuing the work of the previous presidency (Spain) before handing over to the next presidency (Hungary).
Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union
1 July – 31 December 2023.
During the second half of 2023, Spain held the presidency of the Council of the EU.
Spain had set four priorities for its work during its presidency of the Council:
- Reindustrialise the EU and ensure its open strategic autonomy
- Advance in the green transition and the environmental adaption
- Promote social and economic justice
- Strengthen European unity
Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union
1 January – 30 June 2023.
During the first half of 2023, Sweden held the presidency of the Council of the EU. Sweden had identified four priorities for the work under its third presidency of the Council:
- Security and unity.
- Competitiveness.
- Green and energy transition.
- Democratic values and the rule of law.
Czech presidency of the Council of the EU:
1 July – 31 December 2022
During its second presidency of the Council of the EU, the Czech Republic focused on five closely linked priority areas:
- managing the „refugee crisis“ and Ukraine’s post-war recovery
- energy security
- strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities and cyberspace security
- strategic resilience of the European economy
- resilience of democratic institutions
French presidency of the Council of the EU: 1 January – 30 June 2022
The priorities of France's presidency were reflected in its motto 'Recovery, strength and a sense of belonging':
- recovery, to enable Europe to support the ecological and digital transitions
- strength, to defend and promote european values and interests
- a sense of belonging, to build and develop a shared European vision through culture, european values and common history
Portugal's presidency of the Council of the European Union
From 01 January to 30 June 2021.
German's presidency of the Council of the European Union
from 1 July to 31 December 2020.
The priorities of Germany's presidency were driven by its motto: “Together for Europe’s recovery”.
The presidency programme focused on six main areas:
– overcoming the consequences of the coronavirus crisis for the long-term as well as economic and social recovery
– a stronger and more innovative Europe
– a fair Europe
– a sustainable Europe
– a Europe of security and common values
– a strong Europe in the world
The German presidency of the Council of the EU focused directly on overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. Fighting the spread of the virus, supporting the European economy to recover and reinforcing social cohesion in Europe. In order to achieve this, Germany was committed to joint approved action, European solidarity and common values.
Croatia's presidency of the Council of the European Union
from 1 January to 30 June 2020.
The priorities of Croatia's presidency were driven by its motto: “A strong Europe in a world of challenges”.
The presidency programme focused on four main areas:
- a Europe that develops
- a Europe that connects
- a Europe that protects
- an influential Europe.
This was Croatia's first presidency of the Council since it joined the EU in 2013.
Croatian presidency website
Romanian presidency of the Council of the European Union
from 1 January to 30 June 2019.
The priorities of the Romanian Presidency were driven by this motto: cohesion, a common European value, understood as unity, equal treatment and convergence.
The presidency programme focused on four main priorities: Europe of convergence, a safer Europe, Europe as a strong global actor and Europe of common values.
It was the first time that Romania held the Council rotating presidency.
The Romanian Presidency website
Austrian presidency of the Council of the European Union
from 1 July to 31 December 2018.
The presidency programme placed a focus on asylum and migration issues, on protecting external borders, on fighting radicalisation, terrorism and organised crime, on digital security, and on protecting European values.
The Austrian Presidency Website
Bulgaria held the EU Council Presidency
from January to July 2018.
This was Bulgaria's first time to hold the rotating presidency. The Bulgarian government identified four over-arching priorities for its presidency:
- The future of Europe and young people
- Western Balkans
- Security and stability
- Digital economy
The Estonian presidency of the Council of the EU: 1 July to 31 December 2017
The priorities of the Estonian presidency built on the European Council's strategic agenda and common goals formulated by the member states and the EU institutions in the Rome declaration on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaties. The Estonian presidency focused on preserving the common values of prosperity, security, peace and stability in Europe. It sought to maintain Europe's unity through practical decisions.
During the next 6 months, the presidency focused on four key areas: an open and innovative European economy, a safe and secure Europe, digital Europe and free movement of data as well as an inclusive and sustainable Europe.
The Netherlands EU Presidency 2016
From 1 January to 30 June 2016. The Netherlands Presidency work programme focused on four key areas: migration and international security, sound finances and a robust eurozone, Europe as an innovator and job creator and forward-looking climate and energy policy.
Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the European Union
For the twelfth time since 1958, Luxembourg held the Presidency of the Council from 1 July to 31 December 2015.
Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union
From 1 January to 30 June 2015.
The Latvian Presidency focused on three overarching priorities: Competitive Europe, Digital Europe and Engaged Europe.
Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union
From 1 July to 31 December 2014.
Priorities of the Italian Presidency: Growth and employment, a space for freedom and security, full exercise of citizenship rights and a stronger role of Europe in the world.