About: EU Presidency
German EU-Presidency: Empty wording on the Green Deal
The first draft programme of Germany's EU Presidency contains mainly empty wording. There are no concrete goals for the Green Deal, with new initiatives only in the case of hydrogen. The coronavirus pandemic is to blame. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Romania and Croatia declare support for more EU enlargement
Croatia and Romania share a similar vision on most European issues, including enlargement and the eastern partnership, according to the countries’ foreign ministers, who met in Bucharest yesterday (14 March). EURACTIV Romania reports.
Estonia to take over UK presidency in 2017
Estonia will take over the rotating EU presidency from the United Kingdom in late 2017 after London pulled out to focus on negotiations to leave the bloc, diplomats agreed on Tuesday (26 July).
Reshuffle of EU presidencies expected very shortly
The rotating six-month presidencies of the Council of the EU will be reshuffled next week, as a result of Brexit, diplomats told EURACTIV.
Worries mount as Slovakia prepares for EU presidency
The rotating presidency of the EU falls to Slovakia in July. But the latest pronouncements on Islam by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico have caused widespread indignation. EURACTIV France reports.
Brussels has become a Moloch, says Letta
Former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta said yesterday (3 April) that it was important to show to European citizens that the EU is not Brussels, adding that the former system of holding summits in the capitals holding the rotating presidency of the Union was better than the current system of having all summits take place in Brussels.
Danes: Our EU presidency was a solid lunch
The Danes compare their 2012 EU presidency to one of the national dishes, the rye bread "Rugbrød" that many Danes eat for lunch: uninspiring but excellent for nutrition. But Brussels observers note that the Danes have been absent on major issues, including the eurozone crisis.
Despite crises, Belgium’s EU Presidency made strides
In terms of achievements, and despite internal political instability and a crisis in the euro zone, Belgium’s tenure as President of the European Union was a success.
Doubts cast on Hungary’s economic savoir-faire
A credit rating near junk level, economic instability at home and a depreciated forint are weakening Hungary's credibility to steer the European Union as it takes the reins of the EU's rotating presidency on 1 January.
Hungarian EU Presidency to kick off on energy
A European Council energy meeting will take centre stage next February after Budapest has taken on the rotating presidency of the EU for the first half of 2011. EURACTIV France reveals the key dates in the presidency's agenda.
Hungary, Poland outline EU presidency priorities
Hungary and Poland have set out mirroring priorities for their terms as the next two holders of the EU's rotating presidency, calling for greater cooperation between Central European countries in dealing with EU affairs. EURACTIV.sk reports.Belgium, Hungary set EU presidency priorities
Spain, Belgium and Hungary have agreed a joint 18-month programme, beginning in January 2010, for their 'trio' of EU presidencies. The three countries pledged continuity for their stint at the EU helm, which is the first such 'presidency trio' to take place under the EU's revamped institutions. EURACTIV France reports.Spanish Presidency unveils ‘uncontroversial’ art installation
Spanish artist Daniel Canogar is today (5 January) set to unveil in the atrium of the EU Council's Justus Lipsius building an "uncontroversial" art installation, which will accompany his country's rotating presidency of the EU for the next six months.
Analyst: Van Rompuy ‘will not overshadow EU leaders’
Herman Van Rompuy, the former prime minister of Belgium who was nominated last week by European heads of state and government to become the EU's first permanent president, will be more of a "chairman" than a leader, according to Thierry Chopin, director of the Robert Schuman Foundation think-tank, in an interview with EURACTIV France.
Crises send Blair top of EU presidency list
While the European Union grapples with its latest international crisis over gas supply and the Israeli incursion into Gaza, EU officials and diplomats seem more determined than ever to improve the chances of Tony Blair becoming EU president.
Malmström outlines priorities of Swedish EU Presidency
During a visit to Paris, Swedish Minister for European Affairs Cecilia Malmström outlined her country's priorities for its EU chairmanship in the second half of 2009. EURACTIV France contributed to this report from the French capital.
Blair and Merkel top EU-wide poll
A poll by Harris Interactive found most European citizens consider German Chancellor Angela Merkel to be the most influential leader in Europe, while Tony Blair is currently the preferred candidate for the job of EU President. However, a large proportion say they would prefer the job not to be created at all.
Interview: Czechs to push for ‘Europe without barriers’ at EU helm
Ensuring the principles of freedom of movement and labour are fully enforced within the EU's own borders - and most notably between the old and new member states - will be a top priority of the upcoming Czech Presidency of the EU, Vice-Premier and Minister for European Affairs Alexandr Vondra told EURACTIV France in an interview.
Slovenia unveils EU presidency priorities
The incoming presidency will focus on the implementation of the new Lisbon cycle for growth and jobs, energy, climate change and relations with the Western Balkans when it takes over the EU helm from 1 January 2008, the Slovenian Ambassador to the EU revealed on 28 November.Interview: France to push ‘protective Europe’ agenda at EU helm
A 'more protective Europe' will be the French government's central theme when they take over the rotating EU presidency in the second half of 2008. Gilles Briatta, EU adviser to the prime minister, outlined further details in an interview with EURACTIV France.
Portugal holds firm on EU Treaty mandate
The Portuguese EU Presidency has vowed to stick a hard-won June agreement to draft an EU Reform Treaty, amid concerns that Poland might ask to reopen discussions on voting rights in the Council.
Poland warned over EU Treaty squabble
On the occasion of the Portuguese Presidency launch, Prime Minister José Socrates and Commission President José Manuel Barroso united to urge Poland and other member states to stick to their commitments on the EU Reform Treaty, as nationalist Polish politicians vowed to undermine it.
Portugal gears up for fight over budget deficits
Breathing fresh life into Europe's Lisbon Agenda for economic renewal is a top priority for Portuguese Prime Minister José Socrates, as he takes over the reigns of the Union for the next six months. However, his first challenge will be to convince France to stick to the EU rules on fiscal discipline that French President Nicolas Sarkozy appears determined to breach.