Belgium took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1, 2010. The Belgian Presidency is focused on these major projects: Implementation of the Treaty of Lisbon, which comes into force on December 1, 2010; launch of the EU 2020 strategy, which will guide EU policies in the coming decade; pursuit of international climate and energy negotiations; implementation of the Stockholm Programme in the areas of justice, asylum and immigration; continuation of enlargement negotiations; and, preparation of the 2011 budget and mid-term revision of financial perspectives. and Jana Vaňová.
The Hungarian Government assumed the six-month presidency of the European Union on January 1, 2011. Spain, Belgium and Hungary have agreed on a joint 18-month EU presidencies programme, also beginning in January 2010. These countries are the first to work under the rules of the Lisbon Treaty and will thus be responsible to define a working method to ensure a smooth transition without impeding the treaty's political progress. The Hungarian Presidency of the EU is building its political agenda around the human factor, focusing on four main topics: growth and employment for preserving the European social model; an economically stronger Europe; a citizen-friendly Union; and a policy of enlargement and neighborhood. and Martin Kašpárek.
Sweden assumed the European Union six-month rotating presidency from the Czech Republic on 1 July 2009. Under the motto “Taking on the challenges”, Sweden has taken charge of the EU administration in difficult times of economic recession and faces an uncertain institutional future. The Swedish government has defined the aims of its EU presidency as: conducting an effective, open and results-oriented presidency in the interests of the whole of Europe; advancing the EU’s common issues and Sweden’s priority issues; strengthening Sweden’s role in the EU, serving in the EU's interest and strengthening the EU’s role as a global actor in issues, such as climate changing and CO2 tax. and Lenka Hebáková.
The presidency of the Council of the European Union is responsible for the functioning of the Council of the EU and is rotated between EU member states every six months. Beginning in January 2009 the Czech Republic will take over the EU Council Presidency. The Czech Republic´s motto for their Presidency is Europe without barriers. Its message and hope is to break down the barriers which still exist between member states including the free movement of people, goods, services and capital. and Jarmila Tiosavljevičová.