Chapter 11 Answer guidance

Q7) What role does the rotating presidency play in EU governance?

See section 11.6

  • The presidency is responsible for planning, scheduling, and chairing Council, COREPER, and working group meetings.
  • Rotates every six months
    • Since 2007, it functions via a ‘presidency trio’ to improve continuity and the co-ordination of the policy agenda.
  • All states hold the presidency; therefore, the presidency is a power equalizer between big and small states.
  • Provides an opportunity to prioritize issues of national interest
  • Also, involves quiet diplomacy behind the scenes (‘presidency compromise’)
  • Therefore, it is an example of the Council’s ‘enigmatic identity’.
  • Given the influence of the presidency it is highly coveted.
Back to top