Denmark takes over presidency of EU Council

1 January 2012 marked the start of Denmark's presidency of the Council of the European Union. Denmark has taken over from Poland, who held the post from July to December in 2011. Denmark's presidency is the second part of a 'trio' of EU nations (with Poland and Cyprus) which will hold the post in six-month periods until January 2013.

The Danish presidency has commenced amidst many economic and social challenges, and Denmark's programme and plan of activity are a response to those challenges. On 6 January 2012 the programme for the Danish presidency was officially presented to international press, and the key objectives given as:

A more responsible Europe

At their December summit European leaders took decisions aimed at strengthening budget discipline and stabilising the economy. The Danish presidency will action those decisions. It will also oversee implementation of measures designed to improve economic governance and the first six-monthly evaluation of national budgets. To prevent new crises, the Danish presidency will have to speed up the introduction of tighter regulation for the finance industry. Furthermore, significant progress will be needed in talks on the EU budget for 2014-2020 so that they can be closed by the end of 2012.

A more dynamic Europe

Attention will be focused on the single market, which will be 20 years old in 2012. More reforms are required if individuals and businesses in Europe are to draw maximum benefit from it. Denmark is committed to working on the 12 key measures detailed in the Commission's Single Market Act, and is looking to open up new markets for European exporters through free-trade agreements with Japan, India, Canada and Tunisia.

A greener Europe

The Danish presidency intends to do further work on new legislation on energy efficiency, the energy roadmap 2050 and the 7th Environmental Action Programme.

A safer Europe

Following last year's events in North Africa and large-scale immigration to Europe, the Danish presidency is keen to improve the way the EU's external borders are managed. This will mean finalising the common European asylum system and strengthening the border-free Schengen area (the group of countries between which people can travel without being checked at national borders). As for prospective new members of the EU, Denmark plans to continue membership negotiations with Iceland and Turkey, to start discussions with Montenegro and to conclude talks with Serbia.

For more information about Denmark's presidency of the Council of the European Union, visit the dedicated website.

Publication date: 01 Feb 2012