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First time of Estonia as president of the Council of the EU
From 1st July to 31st December 2017 Estonia is holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU, for the first time since the country entered the European Union in 2004.
The presidency of the Council rotates among the EU member states every 6 months. During this 6-month period, Member states holding the presidency work together closely in groups of three, called 'trios'.
The trio, now formed by Estonia, Bulgaria and Austria, sets long-term goals and prepares a common agenda determining the topics and major issues that will be addressed by the Council over an 18 month period. On the basis of this programme, each of the three countries prepares its own detailed 6-month programme.
During the next 6 months, under the motto "Unity through balance", the Estonian presidency will focus 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 Estonian priorities are based on the European Council's strategic agenda and common goals stated 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 will focus on preserving the common values of prosperity, security, peace and stability in Europe.
Ultimo aggiornamento: mercoledì 12 luglio 2017