What to expect from the new Trio Presidency of the Council of the EU

Just before the start of the new Trio Presidency, the EU Council released the 18-month programme for the French, Czech and Swedish Presidencies. It summarises the main priorities of the Trio for the period from January 2022 to June 2023, which focus on the implementation of the EU Recovery Plan after the COVID-19 crisis. Some of the primary issues ahead are investing in the green and digital transitions and strengthening the EU’s competitiveness.

On the road to EU digital sovereignty 

To strengthen the EU’s role in an interconnected world, the Trio Presidency announced in its programme its commitment to promote open science and to invest in excellence in research in the field of new technologies and digitalisation. As a result, the three Presidencies will work on developing global digital regulations, mainly to ensure a safe digital space for everyone. In addition, the Trio will pave the way for the European Commission’s communication ‘2030 Digital Compass: the European way for the ‘Digital Decade’ by shaping a regulatory framework, focused on strengthening digital skills and inclusive education. On the Trio Presidency 18-month agenda there is also the Artificial Intelligence Act and the Data Act.

Supporting research, education, and youth 

Discussions over the EU Research Area will aim to contribute to the definition and implementation of research and innovation policies to address existing societal and economic challenges. The objective is to strengthen the research infrastructure landscape and the research effort across the EU. In terms of Education, the trio is interested in further developing the EU Education Area, promoting exchanges through the Erasmus+ programme and EU universities, as well as recognising the fundamental role of quality investment in education.  The trio will support work for the benefit of the youth, improve the dialogue with them and encouraged their participation in policy decisions. The “2022 European Year of the Youth” activities is expected to aid in disseminating these ideas.

A ‘one EU Health approach’

Due to the current challenges that have emerged, the Trio will afford particular attention to health to provide an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic and any other cross-border health threats. Therefore, the implementation of a strong European Health Union is a top priority for the upcoming 18-months, including improving coordination in this area between Member States, shaping the HERA (the European Health Emergency preparedness and Response Authority) and working on the Commission’s proposal for a European Health Data Space. The implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan remains a high priority on the Trio agenda.

Laura Jousset
EuChemS Science Communication & Policy Officer

Julieta Cavaglia Pietro
EuChemS Erasmus Trainee

Source:

The 18-month programme of the Council, prepared by the future French, Czech and Swedish Presidencies and the High Representative, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Council:  https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-14441-2021-INIT/en/pdf