This is the fourth time that Portugal has chaired the Council of the European Union, holding the presidency in 1992, 2000, 2007 and now again in 2021.
The Council of the European Union is a collegial body representing the governments of EU countries with a view to coordinating policies and adopting laws. The Council embraces a system by which the presidency rotates around all the member countries, reaffirming the notions of democracy and representation that were at the core of the founding fathers’ idea of a united Europe, which had its origins in the European Coal and Steel Community established by the Treaty of Paris in 1951.
The Council of the European Union should not be confused with the European Council. The latter brings together the Heads of State of the 27 member countries to define the European Union's political priorities. Although it has no legislative powers, it is a crucial body within the European structure, where the EU's main political guidelines and priorities are established.
The country presiding over the Council of the European Union is generally tasked with planning meetings between ministers and state secretaries, coordinating the preparation of these meetings, and representing the Council in the other EU institutions.
The Presidency of the Council is assumed by pre-defined groups of three EU countries for a period of 18 months. These groups are formed according to a system of equal rotation between countries, taking into account their diversity and geographical balance within the EU.
Portugal succeeds Germany and precedes Slovenia in assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU. Together, the 3 countries have drawn up an 18-month programme, which forms the basis upon which each 6-month presidency defines its specific priorities. The Council of the European Union "Presidency Trio” (2020/2021) comprises the following countries:
Germany – 2nd half of 2020; Portugal – 1st half of 2021; Slovenia - 2nd half of 2021.
Based on the guideline established by the motto "Time to act: for a fair, green and digital recovery", the 6-month Portuguese presidency has an action plan with the following priorities:
- Promoting recovery by ensuring a green and digital transition;
- Delivering on the European Pillar of Social Rights;
- Strengthening the autonomy of a Europe that is open to the world.
According to the main leaders of this presidency, “Portugal will strive for a more resilient, social, green, digital and global European Union.”
