Programme of the Trio

During the first half of 2021, Portugal will be taking over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In conjunction with Germany and Slovenia, Portugal is part of the Trio Presidency during the period from 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2021, in the following order: 

 

• from July until December 2020: Germany's presidency; 
• from January until June 2021: Portugal's presidency; 
• from July until December 2021: Slovenia's presidency.

 

The three countries already worked together in 2007-2008, forming the Trio Presidency.

Programme and priorities

A joint strategy

With predefined common priorities in line with the European Union's Strategic Agenda for 2019-2024, the Trio Presidency is being transformed and marked by the crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, in a joint declaration after the meeting to take stock of the first half of Germany's presidency, the three countries stated that “dealing with the pandemic and its social and economic consequences” has become the central goal of the Trio. 

 

Improving coordination within the European Union in order to contain the spread of coronavirus and deal with the health crisis is also included in the common goals. At the same time, the importance of building a more resilient European Union that is better prepared to manage crises in the future is also highlighted.

  

While the Trio Programme is setting out appropriate measures for a robust recovery of the European economy, other goals have also been set: 

 

• Approve the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2021-2027 and the Recovery Plan;
• Promote investment, job creation and economic recovery;
• Build a Europe with a neutral impact on the climate, one that is green, fair and social;
• Deal with the social dimension of the crisis and strengthen the European social model;
• Move forward in digital transformation;
• Protect citizens and freedoms, highlighting the importance of democracy and human rights;
• Seek a comprehensive partnership with the United Kingdom under the scope of future relations between the European Union and the UK;
• Reinforce Europe's role in the world and promote multilateralism;
• Prioritise the New Pact on Migration and Asylum.

 

During these 18 months, the three countries propose to apply these and other measures through a programme that can be read in full here.

Statement on Gender Equality

Joint Statement on Gender Equality presented by Germany, Portugal and Slovenia.

 

The document reinforces the defence of the progress already made in many European Union Member States. However, this Trio Presidency is united behind the creation of instruments to contribute to the empowerment of women and girls, so that true gender equality can be achieved. The Presidency of the Council of the EU will continue to be committed to defending gender equality as a fundamental human right.

 

Learn more:

Trio Presidency Declaration on Gender Equality (pdf)