![[Img #74675]](https://thelatestnews.world/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/They-discover-a-new-class-of-X-ray-sources-in-the-150x150.jpg)
Spain takes over from Sweden and assumes the presidency of the Council of the European Union from last July 1 to December 31. The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, has inaugurated the Spanish six-monthly presidency of the Council of the EU coinciding with the electoral advance of the general elections in Spain on 23-J.
During the first day of the Spanish presidency of the Council of the EU, Sánchez showed his support for the Ukrainian people from kyiv, after meeting with the Ukrainian president, Volodimir Zelensky. This Saturday was the third visit that Sánchez made to Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion, on February 24, 2022.
The last time that Spain presided over the Council of the EU was in 2010, so it is the fifth time that the country will assume this presidency. What does the Spanish presidency of the Council of the EU mean? These are the keys you should know.
[La presidencia española del Consejo de la UE: seis meses para reescribir las leyes de la era digital]
What does the presidency of the Council of the EU mean?
The 27 Member States of the European Union assume, on a rotating basis, the presidency of the Council of the EU. During one semester, Spain will carry out the task of coordinating and overseeing the negotiations that fit the European agenda. It will be the last stretch in the institutional cycle of Europe before the elections to the European Parliament, scheduled from June 6 to 9, 2024.
As it is a rotating position, each Member State will occupy the presidency of the Council of the EU in turns of six months. These have a coordinating role that is based on the figure of the Trioscreated in the Lisbon Treaty of 2009.
??? Hello Spain!
spain @eu2023es takes over the Presidency of the Council of the EU with the following priorities:
? Promote the reindustrialisation
? Make progress towards the green transition
? Consolidate the EU’s social pillar
? Strengthen European unity#EU2023ES—European Commission (@EU_Commission) July 1, 2023
Thus, these informal groups have three presidencies that coordinate to achieve continuity of work over eighteen months. In this way, Spain begins a Trio that will complete Belgium and Hungary throughout 2024.
Spain will start the negotiations of the open files in the lines of work of the Union: ecological transition, digital transformation and social agenda. The Presidency’s mission is to facilitate European unity and manage crises. So, medium and long-term goals are established that make up a joint program in the European Council.
What is the Council of the EU?
The Council of the EU, also known as Adviceis an institutional body that represents the governments of the 27 Member States and adopts European legislation to coordinate EU decision-making policies together with the European Parliament.
The ministers of the governments of each country of the Union they hold meetings where they debate, amend and adopt legislative measures to coordinate policies. During the sessions of the Council, the ministers of the Executives of each State can make commitments on behalf of their government in relation to the actions agreed in the meetings. The Council sessions take place in Brussels, while for three months (April, June and October) they are held in Luxembourg.
[Michel ensalza el liderazgo de Sánchez en las últimas crisis y sus planes para la presidencia de la UE]
There are no permanent members of the Council, since it meets in ten different formations, depending on the topic that is going to be dealt with. Depending on the training, each Member State sends the minister who is competent in the matter.
The Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers has a permanent president, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The other meetings of the Council are chaired by the corresponding minister of the country, who at that time holds the rotating presidency of the Council.
Does it mean that Spain presides over the EU?
Spain is not going to preside over the European Union. In fact, the European Union does not have a president. This confusion is due to the fact that many citizens do not distinguish the Council of the EU (Council) of the Council of Europe and of the European Council.
As we have mentioned previously, the Council of the EU or Council groups the meetings of the ministers of each member country of the Union depending on the topic to be discussed. Its objective is to represent the governments of each Member State, ensure European legislation and coordinate their policies.
It is often confused with European Councilinstitution that presides Charles-Michel. It is responsible for developing European political orientations and priorities. The members of the European Council are the Heads of State or Government of the 27 EU Member States, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.
Nor can it be confused with the Council of Europe, an organization based in France and with 46 member countries that develop democratic values and human rights in Europe.
