Presidency of the Council of the EU

The Council of the EU – What does it do?

The Council of the European Union is one of seven EU institutions. Known as the “Council”, it represents the governments of member states, and is a key EU decision-making body. The Council brings together the ministers of the 27 EU member states, and its main tasks include:

• Negotiating and adopting with the European Parliament (“co-legislator”) EU laws, following a proposal by the European Commission.
• Coordinating the policies of member states in a number of policy areas.
• Shaping the EU’s foreign and security policy, based on the political direction and guidelines of the European Council.
• Adopting the EU’s annual budget in cooperation with the European Parliament. 
• Contributing to the negotiation and conclusion of agreements between the EU, non-EU countries, and international organisations. 

The Council meets in 10 different configurations, each corresponding to the policy area being discussed. Depending on the configuration, each member state is represented by the Minister responsible for the respective policy area.  

For example, when the Council discusses energy matters, it meets under the Transport, Telecommunications, and Energy Council configuration (“TTE Council”) and each member state is represented by the respective Minister of Energy. 

The Presidency of the Council of the EU – What are the Presidency’s main tasks?

Holding the Presidency of the Council is a great responsibility that requires the Presiding member state to act as an honest broker in a spirit of sincere cooperation, ensuring continuity in the EU’s work at the Council. 

In practice, it means that during its six-month Presidency, Cyprus will plan and steer the Council’s work, ensuring that it progresses smoothly, and facilitating cooperation among member states and other EU institutions.

In the coming months, the key tasks of the Cyprus Presidency will include:

• Planning and chairing meetings of the Council and its preparatory bodies.
• Ensuring that the Council’s rules of procedure and working methods are observed. 
• Representing the Council in relation with other EU institutions (European Parliament and European Commission), including the important work of trilogues.
• Delivering reliable and transparent information on the results of Council meetings.
• Working closely with the President of the European Council and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Three Presidencies working together

Member states holding the Presidency work together, in groups of three, known as “trios”. This system was introduced by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009, with the aim of ensuring continuity in the work of the Council.  The trio jointly prepares a general programme for all three consecutive presidencies, called the 18-month programme or the Trio Programme.  

Cyprus is currently part of a trio presidency with Poland and Denmark. Poland held the Presidency first (January–June 2025), followed by Denmark (July–December 2025). The three presidencies have a common agenda, which is outlined in their Trio Programme. Building on this Trio Programme, each of the three member states then prepares a more detailed programme for their individual six-month presidency. 

The Cyprus presidency of the Council of the EU

The Republic of Cyprus holds the presidency from 1 January until 30 June 2026. During its presidency, Cyprus will host:

• 19 Informal ministerial meetings 
• An informal meeting of Heads of State or Government of the EU, on April 23–24 
• 3 Ministerial / high level conferences
• Over 230 other important meetings and conferences

You can check out the full calendar of events.

Moreover, during the Cyprus presidency a rich cultural programme will take place in Cyprus, Brussels, other European capitals, and Middle East and Gulf countries. More information can be found on the cultural programme.

Besides the joint trio programme, Cyprus has set forth its own programme and priorities for its presidency of the Council of the EU.