On 1 January 2010, for the fourth time, Spain took over the Presidency of the European Union, this time from Sweden.
In his address, the Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, said that the six month Spanish Presidency will “give decisive impetus to the construction of Europe”, which coincides with the ‘new beginning’ of the Treaty of Lisbon coming into effect.
In its programme the Presidency identifies four main priorities, focusing on the full and effective implementation of the Lisbon Treaty, the economic recovery of Europe through enhanced coordination between Member States, a reinforced European Union presence in the new world order as well as an increased number of initiatives aimed at promoting citizens’ rights and freedoms.
Unlike any previous EU Presidency nation, Spain will be working alongside the new full time President Herman Van Rompuy and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton.
In his address, the Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, said that the six month Spanish Presidency will “give decisive impetus to the construction of Europe”, which coincides with the ‘new beginning’ of the Treaty of Lisbon coming into effect.
In its programme the Presidency identifies four main priorities, focusing on the full and effective implementation of the Lisbon Treaty, the economic recovery of Europe through enhanced coordination between Member States, a reinforced European Union presence in the new world order as well as an increased number of initiatives aimed at promoting citizens’ rights and freedoms.
Unlike any previous EU Presidency nation, Spain will be working alongside the new full time President Herman Van Rompuy and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton.