01 / 01 / 2020


Croatia takes over EU Council Presidency

As of 1 January 2020, Croatia holds the EU Council Presidency for the first half of 2020, following Finland. The priorities of the first Croatia’s Presidency, driven by the motto ”A strong Europe in a world of challenges”, are:
  • A Europe that develops;
  • A Europe that connects;
  • A Europe that protects;
  • An influential Europe.
  When it comes to R&I priorities, the Croatian Presidency plans on (no specific Council conclusions expected on RD&I):
    • Advancing negotiations on ongoing files, especially on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the Brexit;
    • Encouraging discussions on framework conditions for researchers (brain circulation) and the role of R&I for future jobs.
  The Presidency is also expected to further work towards the achievement of some legislation such as Horizon Europe and its Partnerships, the EIT, Euratom and ITER. Competitiveness Council meetings will be held on 3-4 February, 28 February and 29 May 2020. Germany will take over the EU Presidency for the second half of 2020, and a final agreement on the MFF is expected at this time.   More information on the Presidency, its priorities and foreseen events