2008: Slovenia assumes the presidency of the EU
Legislation of the European Union dictates that its Council's presidency will
rotate every six months. Slovenia will assume this position on January 1, 2008, following the terms
of Germany and Portugal. In doing so, it will become the first EU new member state to preside over
the Council.
Responsibilities of the presidency of the EU Council include organizing and chairing all of
the Council's meetings, as well as those of its subordinate bodies; and representing the Council,
in both interactions with other EU institutions and those with non-EU countries and organizations.
The rotation order for the presidency of the EU Council has been decided for the period
from 2005 to 2020.