Content

As the Federal Republic of Germany takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July – 31 December, it will work closely with the succeeding EU Council Presidencies of the Governments of Portugal and Slovenia in a cooperation referred to as a “Trio Programme.”

Trio Programmes ensure a fluid transition from one EU member state Presidency to the next through an 18-month agenda, which identifies issues to be addressed during their respective presidencies outlined within the Strategic Agenda 2019 – 2024.

The following issues are some highlights from the upcoming 18-month programme of the Council, prepared by the future German, Portuguese and Slovenian Presidencies and the High Representative, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Council:

  • Sustaining a fair and social Europe while promoting Europe’s interests and values around the world. Promoting social cohesion, the rule of law, equality, human rights and corporate social responsibility while also incorporating lessons learned during the pandemic.
  • Securing transparent and European-wide digital transformation that respects human rights and protects citizens from malicious cyber activities and disinformation. Making digital progress in education, research, finance and health. Strengthening and maintaining digital sovereignty with regards to digitisation and artificial intelligence as a key technology of the future. Actively shaping the future of work, also with regard to digitisation, and doing more to ensure the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
  • Finding comprehensive, permanent and crisis proof solutions for migration. Increasing efforts against illegal migration and human trafficking, while also addressing the root causes of migration and forced displacement.
  • Further promoting European technological and industrial sovereignty and a resilient and competitive Single Market. Ensuring an effective and fair implementation, application and enforcement of Single Market rules. This will include a level playing field as well as fair and effective taxation and improving the EU’s fight against money laundering. Promoting open, ambitious, fair, sustainable and rules-based trade.
  • Strengthening industrial competitiveness in Europe as well as ensuring a stable investment environment for small and medium-sized businesses. Identifying strategic value chains, industry and important projects of common European interest. Deepening the Economic and Monetary Union, as well as bringing the financial sector into the digital age.
  • Investing in innovative, sustainable and smart economic transformation covering all regions, and strengthening their competitiveness. Building a climate-neutral and green Europe and achieving the 17 sustainable development goals and the objectives of the EU Green Deal.
  • Promoting European values on an international level, together with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign and Security Policy: Proceeding with the enlargement process towards the Western Balkans, pursuing an ambitious neighbourhood policy towards the East and the South and strengthening cooperation with Africa. Nurturing international relationships and further examining European defence policies and relationships.