What is the presidency of the Council?
The presidency organises the meetings of the Council.
The presidency makes sure the opinion of all EU countries is heard.
Each country holds the presidency of the Council for 6 months.
Ireland is holding the presidency of the Council right now.
Ireland is holding the presidency of the Council from 1 July to 31 December 2026.
Cyprus held the presidency before Ireland.
Lithuania will hold the presidency after Ireland.
You can see the full list of Council presidencies via this link.
What is the European Union?
The European Union is a group of 27 countries in Europe.
These countries work together to make things better for people.
For example, France, Germany and Ireland are countries in the European Union.
The European Union is often called the EU.
More easy to read about the European Union.
What is the Council of the European Union?
The Council of the European Union is where governments work together.
The Council of the European Union is a part of the European Union.
The Council of the European Union is often just called the Council.
Governments in the Council discuss and decide on the laws in Europe.
Governments meet at the Council in small groups. Each group talks about one topic.
For example, one group talks about climate change, and another group talks about the economy.
One government holds the presidency of the Council for 6 months. Then it’s the turn of another government for 6 months.