Each six months, according to a pre-established order, a new Member State takes the helm of the Council of the EU.
The Presidency’s role encompasses chairing Council meetings, taking charge of the agenda, promoting legislative and political decisions, and brokering compromises among Member States. Starting today, July 1st 2014, Italy holds this position through December 31.
Member states holding the six-month presidency work together closely in groups of three, called ‘trios’. This system was introduced by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. The trio defines long-term objectives and prepares a common agenda on the main topics and issues the Council will deal with over an 18-month period. Based on this programme, each of the three countries prepares its own detailed six-month programme. From 1 July 2014 to 31 December 2015 the presidency trio will be made up of Italy, Latvia and Luxemburg. More here
IN THIS CONTEXT: