EU news
German's presidency of the Council of the European Union
from 1 July to 31 December 2020.
The priorities of Germany's presidency are driven by its motto: “Together for Europe’s recovery”.
The presidency programme focuses 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 will focus 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 is committed to joint approved action, European solidarity and common values.
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The tasks of the presidency
The presidency is responsible for driving forward the Council's work on EU legislation, ensuring the continuity of the EU agenda, orderly legislative processes and cooperation among member states. To do this, the presidency must act as an honest and neutral broker.
The presidency has two main tasks:
1. Planing and chairing meetings in the Council and its preparatory bodies.
2. Representing the Council in relations with the other EU institutions.
Learning corner
Learning materials, network with other teachers, play games, work and study, competitions and news
In all EU-Languages!
Your Voice in Europe
Have your say in debates on the European Union and its future.
The European Commission provides a wide variety of consultations, discussions and other tools which enable you to play an active role in the European policy-making process.
Consultations: give your opinion on EU policies and influence their direction.
Investment Plan for Europe launched
The European Commission announced a €315 billion Investment Plan to get Europe growing again and get more people back to work.
The economic crisis
The crisis exposed fundamental problems and unsustainable trends in many European countries. It also made clear just how interdependent the EU's economies are.
European Year for Development 2015
2015 is a special year for development. It is the first ever European Year to deal with the European Union's external action and Europe’s role in the world. For development organisations all over Europe it is an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Europe's commitment to eradicating poverty worldwide and to inspire more Europeans to get engaged and involved in development. 2015 is also the year in which the Millennium Development Goals that the world agreed to reach in 2000, and in which the international community will agree on the future global framework for poverty eradication and sustainable development.
Free movement of workers
Free movement of workers is a fundamental principle of the Treaty enshrined in Article 45 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and developed by EU secondary legislation and the Case law of the Court of Justice.
Picture workers: © European Commission 2014
Nobel Peace Prize 2012 awarded to European Union
In 2012 the EU received the Nobel Peace Prize for advancing the causes of peace, reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe.
The EU decided to dedicate the Nobel Peace Prize money to children who are denied the chance of growing up in peace and to double the Nobel award (€930,000), to €2 million. As a result, more than 28,000 children have so far benefited from the four emergency-education projects selected last year.
As a lasting political legacy of the Nobel Peace Prize, and as a targeted tool for education in conflict zones, the EU will continue this initiative in the years to come. For 2013, the EU has again doubled the resources and attributed a further €4 million to cover both the existing and new projects.
112 emergency number
Need help? 112 is your life-saving number!
112 is the European emergency phone number, available everywhere in the EU, free of charge.
It is possible to call 112 from fixed and mobile phones to contact any emergency service: an ambulance, the fire brigade or the police.
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Treaty of Lisbon
On 1 December 2009, the Treaty of Lisbon entered into force, thus ending several years of negotiation about institutional issues.
The Treaty of Lisbon amends the current EU and EC treaties, without replacing them. It provides the Union with the legal framework and tools necessary to meet future challenges and to respond to citizens' demands.
The Treaty at a glance, questions and answers, key documents etc.
Picture workers: © European Commission 2014
Logo of the EU Council and the Austrian presidency © Bundeskanzleramt Österreich 2018