A Herculean task or presidency as usual?
A dead letter or a genuine opportunity?
In fact, EU’s civilian missions are twice as common when compared to those of military character. Despite their growing importance, Serbia, as a candidate country, is yet to take part in civilian CSDP missions and therefore must work on strengthening its capacities together with developing its institutional framework, to constructively engage with the Union on this matter.
As both Germany and Portugal have achieved positive results in putting Europe back on its feet, Slovenia’s presidency will concentrate on setting the ground for the development of a post-pandemic Europe. However, it does not mean that Slovenia will have an easy job; on the contrary, there are many pressing issues that the Council will need to deal with.
At the latest Berlin Process Summit, held on November 10, 2020 in Sofia, the Western Balkan leaders (WB6) agreed upon an ambitious plan to create a Common Regional Market.
After Germany, the largest and most influential EU member state, a relatively small country from the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal, comes at the helm of the Council of the EU.
The German Presidency of the Council of the EU takes place against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the EU, along with the rest of the world, needs quick and bold action to adapt to the resulting tectonic changes. These circumstances have pushed Germany to lead the Union across the Rubicon in regard to the future of the European project.
Future of Europe in the Hands of a Balkan Country
Out of sight, out of mind?
Presiding over the Preoccupied Union