News 2025

Under the motto "A strong Europe in a changing world", for its 8th time, the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU kicked-off on 1 July, thus marking the end of the outgoing Polish semester.

The Danish EU Presidency will work for a strong and resolute EU that takes responsibility for its own security and for strengthening its competitiveness. This calls for the EU to match words with action and deliver on the challenges it faces. The green transition is essential to building a more secure and competitive Europe. With 2 overarching priorities: A "secure Europe" and a "competitive and green Europe".

A look at the key priorities

As regards social affairs , the Danish Presidency will follow up on the pilot project on the European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS). It will also address challenges and explore solutions related to free and fair movement, including conditions for posted workers. It will also follow the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021–2027 with focus on strengthening health and safety measures for workers. This includes, as much as possible, advancing the 6th revision of the Directive on carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances at work. The Danish will also contribute building on the new Pact for European Social Dialogue, and work to strengthen dialogue among social partners.

On the European Competitiveness Compass, the Competitiveness Council will pursue actions that bolster the EU’s long-term competitiveness. For the Danish Presidency, strengthening Europe’s economic foundations is crucial to boost resilience, secure stable supply chains, improve economic security, reinforce the EU’s global position, and create growth opportunities through research-based innovation.

In the area of energy and environment, among the other priorities, the Danish Presidency will start from championing the green transition as a key driver, focusing on decarbonising industry and establishing the right framework conditions to ensure access to essential raw materials and affordable energy. The agenda will include focus on regulatory simplification and better regulation in the EU to ease daily operations for businesses and other stakeholders.
For the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council, the Danish will increase efforts to strengthen and future-proof Europe’s transport sector, digital infrastructure, telecommunications, and the internal energy market.

Flagship such as the Green Deal and the Clean Industrial Deal will be continued. This include a continued focus on ensuring a sufficient production of clean, affordable energy, and working towards an EU that is independent of Russian energy.

Have a look at the full programme and at the published priorities of the presidency via this link.