The Netherlands has published the national programme for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The publication – in four languages – takes an in-depth look at the priorities for the coming six months.
Download "Programme of the Netherlands Presidency of the Council of the European Union".
Education, Youth, Culture and Sport
In the area of education the Netherlands Presidency will align its efforts with the Strategic Agenda, which gives priority to employability and the development of knowledge and skills. One key focus of attention is the modernisation of higher education and vocational training.
The European Commission announced a new Skills Agenda in its 2016 Work Programme. The new agenda, which will be discussed by this Council, will promote investment in skills development so that workers are better equipped to deal with the changing labour market and society. The Netherlands Presidency will also address the mutual recognition of qualifications, which will support vocational training and higher education and help realise the full potential of digital jobs.
With regard to culture, media and the creative industries the Netherlands Presidency will strive for a debate and Council conclusions on the infrastructure and platforms required for European digital heritage (such as Europeana, the digital repository of European cultural and academic institutions).
The Netherlands welcomes the Commission’s plan, in the framework of the Digital Single Market Strategy, to review the Audiovisual and Media Services Directive in 2016 and will strive to move the debate forward. Promoting the circulation of European audiovisual productions will be spotlighted.
Furthermore, the Netherlands Presidency will seek to encourage debate on the role of education in the reception and integration of migrants and the role of education and youth work in combating youth radicalisation. This will be coordinated with the conclusions of the Luxembourg Presidency, current developments and any Commission initiatives. Discussion of the contribution of youth work is in line with the Commission’s priorities concerning young people’s inclusion and participation in society. The issue of social participation by young people with mental disorders will also be addressed. It is important to discuss this issue not only with sector stakeholders, but to take a broader perspective that also encompasses the interests of public health.
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The Netherlands Presidency will put the integrity of sport on the agenda, based on the EU Work Plan for Sport 2014-2017. The focus will be on preparing and organising major international sports events, in particular how this can be done with positive social, economic and sustainable returns that will generate public support. The Presidency will work closely with the sport sector. More...

The Netherlands has published the national programme for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The publication – in four languages – takes an in-depth look at the priorities for the coming six months. More...

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The Netherlands, Slovakia and Malta, the Presidency Trio from the start of 2016 to mid-2017, have jointly drafted an agenda setting out the main topics which the EU Council will address in the coming 18 months.
Growth, jobs, freedom, security, justice, energy union and a stronger EU in the world: these are the top priorities for the Council as agreed by the three presidencies for the period between January 2016 and June 2017, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Malta, the so-called ‘trio’.
Download "Trio programme (January 2016 - June 2017)".
Investment in human capital, education and skills, performance and innovation, which are essential for a competitive knowledge-based economy, will also be a priority.
The three Presidencies will pursue equal treatment including gender equality, and economic independence. Measures will be taken rapidly to modernise educational systems and facilitate training and jobs for young people as well as develop life-long learning. The Presidencies will also focus on the role of inclusive high quality education for all in promoting social equity, social inclusion, citizenship and shared European values.
The three Presidencies will pursue equal treatment including gender equality, and economic independence. Measures will be taken rapidly to modernise educational systems and facilitate training and jobs for young people as well as develop life-long learning. The Presidencies will also focus on the role of inclusive high quality education for all in promoting social equity, social inclusion, citizenship and shared European values. More...

Today sees the official launch of the Netherlands Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with the entire European Commission visiting Amsterdam.
In the afternoon, Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima will receive the Commissioners at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam. The visit will close with the Commissioners meeting members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. More...