Council of the EU sets priorities for next 18 months

The European University Association looks forward to working together with the Polish Presidency, as well as the subsequent presidencies of Denmark and Cyprus, which form a new trio. The Presidency of the Council of the EU is organised on a 6-month rotating basis and clustered in trios that develop common priorities over 18 months, while each Presidency then puts forward a more detailed programme to steer the work of member states in the Council.

The programme of the new trio is organised around three themes:

• ‘A strong and secure Europe’ - referring to external actions, security and defence, migration and border protection, enlargement and internal reforms;
• ‘A prosperous and competitive Europe’ - linked to the twin green and digital transitions, innovation, environment and social affairs; and
• ‘A free and democratic Europe’ - based on EU values such as the rule of law and human rights.

Across these three themes, EUA’s eight key messages on a ‘A renewed social contract for Europe and its universities’ during the 2024-2029 mandate remain highly relevant to ensuring that universities and policy makers can work together to shape a strong, open and future-proof Europe. The framing of new initiatives to advance Europe’s competitiveness, including the proposal for a  ‘Competitiveness Compass’, as well as developments in lifelong learning, knowledge security and international cooperation and the preparation of the next Multiannual Financial Framework will be among the key topics for a dialogue between universities and member states during these three presidencies.