Sweden takes over the EU Council Presidency from the Czech Republic on 1 July 2009

Source: Tsjechisch voorzitterschap Europese Unie 1e helft 2009 i, published on Wednesday, July 1 2009.

The main priorities of the Swedish Presidency include the fight against the consequences of the economic crisis and against climate change. Sweden and the preceding French and Czech Presidencies form the Trio Presidency.

The rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union is held for six months by each Member State in turn. However, the Presidencies work in Trios so as to maintain the continuity in the running of the Council.

Presidency: Country holding the Presidency, Website:

Sweden 2nd half of 2009 www.se2009.eu

Czech Republic 1st half of 2009 www.eu2009.cz

France 2nd half of 2008 www.eu2008.fr

Slovenia 1st half of 2008   www.eu2008.si

Portugal 2nd half of 2007 www.eu2007.pt

Germany 1st half of 2007  www.eu2007.de

Finland 2nd half of 2006  www.eu2006.fi

Austria 1st half of 2006   www.eu2006.at

Great Britain 2nd half of 2005  www.eu2005.gov.uk

Luxembourg 1st half of 2005 www.eu2005.lu

Netherlands 2nd half of 2004 www.eu2004.nl

Ireland 1st half of 2004  www.eu2004.ie