The European Union

Spain has held, for the fifth time in its history, the Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the second half of 2023, between July 1 and December 31. The last time it held the Presidency was in 2010.

The Trio of Presidencies in which Spain is a member is made up of Spain, Belgium and Hungary, with Spain holding the Presidency first.

Under the slogan "Europe, closer", during its Presidency, Spain's priorities have been to reindustrialize the EU and guarantee its open strategic autonomy; to advance in ecological transition and environmental adaptation; social and economic justice; and the strengthening of European unity.

In regard to education, the priorities of the Spanish Presidency have been as follows:

• the promotion of common European values and democratic citizenship
• the digitalization in education and training
• the development of the European Education Area and the EU's open strategic autonomy

Three non-legislative dossiers related to European citizenship and common values and digital skills were approved by the Council of Ministers on November 23, 2023:

• Council conclusions on the contribution of education and training to the strengthening of common European values and democratic citizenship
• Council recommendations on key enablers for the success of digital education and training
• Council recommendations on improving the provision of digital skills in education and training

Following the end of Spain's turn, Belgium took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on January 1, 2024, and will then pass the baton to Hungary on July 1, 2024.

Under the slogan "Protect. Strengthen. Prepare", Belgium will focus on six thematic areas for its work during their Presidency:

• Uphold the rule of law, democracy and unity
• Improve our competitiveness
• Achieve an ecological and just transition
• Strengthen our social and health agenda
• Protect people and borders
• Promote a global Europe

As far as education is concerned, Belgium has set as its priorities:

• Lifelong learning
• Evidence-informed education
• Mobility
• Digital education

Work is currently underway on the development of two non-legislative dossiers related to mobility and evidence-informed education in the European Education Area.

• Website of the Belgian Presidency

After the end of Belgium's turn, Hungary took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1, 2024, which will end on December 1, 2025, when it will pass the baton to Poland. Hungary will bring to an end the Trio Presidency in which it has participated together with Spain and Belgium. The new trio to be inaugurated by Poland will include Denmark and Cyprus.

Under the slogan “Make Europe Great Again”, MEGA, the Hungarian Presidency's program will be structured around seven priorities:

• the acceptance of a New European Competitiveness Pact;
• the strengthening of the European defense policy;
• a coherent and merit-based enlargement policy;
• the containment of illegal immigration;
• shaping the future of cohesion policy;
• a farmer-oriented EU agricultural policy;
• and the response to demographic challenges.

As far as education is concerned, Hungary has set as its priorities:

• competitive European higher education,
• adaptation to the digital and ecological transition,
• and strategic partnerships in education and training, which should be promoted through vocational training tools, higher education and adult education.

On the latter topic, the Hungarian Presidency plans to adopt Council Conclusions. The Hungarian Presidency will also be responsible for negotiating the Higher Education Package , which includes 35 recommendations focusing on a European quality assurance and recognition system, as well as on attractive and sustainable careers in higher education, and the communication on a common European degree.

The Hungarian Presidency logo features the iconic Rubik's cube, a world-renowned Hungarian invention that symbolizes Hungary's support for European unity and collaboration.

• Website of the Hungarian Presidency