The Netherlands holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 January to 30 June 2016 and has presented, together with the Slovak and Maltese Presidencies that will follow, the Council's work programme for the period to June 2017.
As stated on the Netherlands Presidency’s website homepage, ‘it wants a Union that focuses on the essentials, creates growth and jobs through innovation, and connects with civil society.’
The EU Presidency Trio states in its programme that ‘inclusive, smart and sustainable growth, jobs and competitiveness remain the top priority over the next 18 months.’
The specific programme of the Netherlands EU Presidency states that a key focus of attention in the area of education is the modernisation of higher education and vocational education and training (VET). More...
Koenders in Presidency edition of the State of the European Union: We must keep Europe on course
The Dutch EU Presidency will be in the spotlight at a time when public support for EU decision-making cannot be taken for granted. After the attacks in France and with the influx of people fleeing war and oppression, the European Union is being severely put to the test. In addition, many people have doubts about the EU and think it should be focusing on the essentials rather than on marginal issues. More...