Sweden has taken over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union
Today, January 1, Sweden takes over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) from the Czech Republic for a period of six months. According to a statement issued by the EU Council, the Swedish presidency will continue the work of the Council based on four priorities: security, competitiveness, green transition and ecological transition, democratic values and the rule of law.
The presidency of the Council is ensured by rotation every six months among the EU member states. During this six-month period, the Presidency leads meetings at all levels in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU's work within the Council. The Member States holding the Presidency work closely together in groups of three, called 'trios'. This system was introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009. The Trio sets long-term goals and prepares a common agenda, determining the major topics and issues to be addressed by the Council over an 18-month period. Based on this program, each of the three countries prepares its own, more detailed program for six months. The current trio consists of the French, Czech and Swedish presidencies. Sweden previously held the rotating presidency of the EU Council in 2001 and 2009.
