After Sweden, Spain holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU for six months starting from 1 July 2023. This presidency is essential in the European legislative work as it is the last complete one before the end of the current European institutions term and the elections of June 2024.
The Presidency of the Council of the EU is paramount for the EU legislative process as the Member State in charge is setting up the agenda of the Council, pushing for the adoption of key legislative pieces and facilitating the trilogues.
Relevant elements in the Spanish presidency work programme
Spain has established the protection of the environment as one of its utmost priorities for the next six months. More precisely, the marine environment will be closely monitored, and its importance has been extensively acknowledged. The Spanish presidency plans to focus mainly on the EU’s leadership in international fora.
The Spanish programme also draws on about biodiversity protection, aiming at enabling and guaranteeing its diversity throughout Europe. The objective of restoring 25.000km of rivers to their natural characteristics is reiterated in the Presidency programme. A lot of focus will be given to the implementation of the EU’s zero pollution action plan, including to the water pollution aspects, with the ongoing wastewater treatment directive revision which the presidency intends to take forward.
Finally, the Spanish presidency will play a key role in the negotiations with the European Parliament for the adoption of Nature Restoration Law.
A challenging timing
It is however worth noting that besides holding the last ‘complete’ presidency period before the 2024 European elections, Spain is also faced with internal political challenges. Anticipated general elections took place in Spain on 23 July. Negotiations to form a government are still ongoing.
Find out the full Spanish programme: here