The Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU
The Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU

Author(s): Strahinja Subotić
Subject(s): EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
Published by: Centar za Evropske Politike CEP
Summary/Abstract: 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. Despite its size and location, it is a country which has often “punched above its weight” as it has acquired significant experience in EU-affairs. Not only was the last treaty change made in Lisbon in 2007 during the then Portuguese Presidency, but Portugal also provided a two-term Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso (2004-2014), as well as a Eurogroup-President, Mario Centeno (2018-2020). With regards to presiding over the Council of the EU, Portugal also comes as a veteran - by presiding for the fourth time since becoming a member in 1986. Meanwhile, its political landscape remains stable and committed to the EU integration process, whilst having a pro-EU and pro-enlargement oriented population. These aspects are certainly conducive to its presidency in the upcoming six months.

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