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Germany takes over the Presidency of the Council of the EU

01. Jul 2020

On 1 July 2020 the Federal Republic of Germany has taken over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and will hold it for the coming 6 months. Germany is thus following Croatia, which held the presidency in the first half of 2020.
 
One of the major tasks of a council presidency is the planning and chairing of the different council figurations and its preparatory bodies. Furthermore, the presidency represents the Council in relation with the other European institutions, e.g. during the trilogues with European Parliament and Commission.
 
The priorities of each council presidency are defined in a presidency programme. The German presidency programme has the motto "Together for Europe’s recovery" and is based on the following guiding principles:

  • 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 will give priority to the negotiations on the EU budget 2021-2027. The adoption of the next framework programme for research and innovation Horizon Europe depends among others on the conclusion of these budget negotiations.
 
Knowledge, research and education are seen by the presidency as key drivers of innovation and competitiveness in Europe and as the key to the successful implementation of the European Green Deal. Initiatives for green hydrogen, Europe's resilience to pandemics, citizen participation and increased international cooperation are intended to further develop the European Research Area.
 
Research and development at the European level are of central importance in the prevention and management of health crises. The declared goal is to make the European Research Area even more dynamic, more solidary and more goal-oriented in the fight against pandemics and in this context to further develop the EU action plan "ERAvsCorona"
 
To ensure better continuity and closer cooperation between the presidencies, which change every six months, so-called trio presidencies have been formed since 2007, which combine three successive presidencies. The trio presidency of Germany, Portugal and Slovenia begins with the German presidency. The governments of these three countries, together with the President of the Council and the European Commission, have drawn up a joint 18-month program for the period from 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2021.
 
Further information:
 
Website of the German council presidency 2020
 
EU Presidency 2020 - Website of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (German)
 
Trio Programme of the Council of the European Union
 
ERAvsCorona Action Plan