Member states work together closely, in groups of three called “trios”. This system was introduced by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. Each presidency country introduces its programme to the Council and the European Parliament (EP) at the beginning of its term. The presidency is responsible for driving forward the Council’s work on EU legislation and ensuring the continuity of the EU agenda, orderly legislative processes and cooperation among Member states. The presidency has two main tasks: planning and chairing meetings of the Council and its preparatory bodies, and representing the Council in relations with other EU institutions.
 
Council presidencies up to 2030
 
Ireland:                       July-December 2026
Lithuania:                   January-June 2027
Greece:                      July-December 2027
Italy:                            January-June 2028
Latvia:                         July-December 2028
Luxembourg:              January-June 2029
Netherlands:              July-December 2029
Slovakia:                     January-June 2030
Malta:                         July-December 2030