Smaller EU countries have worked hard to demonstrate that size is not everything when it comes to the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU. Indeed, small and flexible may be the best way to conclude particularly controversial negotiations between legislators and finally close the book on legislative dossiers that have been sat on policymakers' desks for what seems an eternity.
And so, step up Slovenia. The small country with a population of just 2 million begins its Council Presidency on July 1, and they are certainly not lacking in ambition.
Given the year we have had on video conference calls, it is perhaps appropriate that Slovenia is tech-obsessed. Within this field, expect significant progress on the Data Governance Act and Digital Services Act. However, whilst Slovenia will work hard to agree on a general position on these dossiers, there could be noise throughout the presidency term as to whether Slovenia is the right presidency to push the digital agenda, given their Government's track record on social media. Member States will undoubtedly be keen to come to an agreed position but do not expect the European Parliament to such an amicable partner with the presidency on these tech negotiations.
However, whilst these tech and AI debates are happening in public, behind the trialogue doors, some critical policy negotiations are set to take place in preparation for COP 26 to be held in November in Glasgow.
In July, the European Commission plans to present the "Fit for 55" climate and energy legislative package. This package will revise practically every EU law on energy and climate, laying out how the EU will achieve its new climate ambitions. Particular highlights include the revised Renewable Energy Directive - a dossier that lobbyists have been anticipating for a long time.
The Slovenian Presidency will be tasked with ensuring the Fit for 55 dossiers progresses with sufficient ambition and urgency to enable the EU to send a powerful message to the international community before COP26. Given the continuing courting of Biden's administration, the Slovenian Presidency will play a critical role in establishing the EU's sustainability credentials internationally.
by Chris Morris, Director of Public Affairs