PRESIDENCY WEBSITES
The Presidency of the Council plays a vital part in the organization of the work of the institution, notably as the driving force in the legislative and political decision-making process. It has to organize and chair all meetings and work out compromises capable of resolving difficulties.
The Council is presided over for a period of six months by each Member State in turn, in accordance with a pre-established rota (unless a new Council decision is taken) :
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2009
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First half-year
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Czech Republic
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Second half-year
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Sweden
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2008
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First half-year
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Slovenia
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Second half-year
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France
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2007
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First half-year
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Germany
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Second half-year
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Portugal
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2006
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First half-year
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Austria
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Second half-year
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Finland
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2005
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First half-year
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Luxembourg
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Second half-year
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United Kingdom
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2004
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First half-year
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Ireland
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Second half-year
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Netherlands
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2003
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First half-year
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Greece
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Second half-year
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Italy
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2002
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First half-year
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Spain
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Second half-year
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Denmark
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2001
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First half-year
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Sweden
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Second half-year
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Belgium
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2000
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First half-year
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Portugal
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Second half-year
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France
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1999
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First half-year
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Germany
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Second half-year
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Finland
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1998
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First half-year
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United Kingdom
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Second half-year
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Austria
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