Former Presidency of the Council of the EU
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.
Picture workers: © European Commission 2014
Logo of the EU Council and the Austrian presidency © Bundeskanzleramt Österreich 2018