What is the European Presidency?

Parlamento Europeo

The Council Presidency is undoubtedly the most important activity carried out by a European country in its function as Member of the European Union. Every six months, in accordance with a pre-established rota, the Council of the European Union is presided over by one of the countries of the Union. A Member State can regain command once all the others have held the presidency for the corresponding period of half a year.

Spain has held Council Presidency on three previous occasions: the first half of 1989, the second half of 1995 and the first half of 2002. This time, Spain regains the Presidency for a 'long' term (the first half), as the second half of the year includes months of reduced activity due to the summer holiday period. Given the increasing numbers of Member States, Spain may not hold the Council Presidency again until at least 2021, and probably not before 2024!