Rotating Presidency in Action: a high-level conference on EU strategic coordination in Bruges

On Saturday, April 5th, 2025, we welcomed a full audience in Bruges for a high-level conference dedicated to the functioning and strategic coordination of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The event, organized by our European Political and Governance Studies Department, brought together leading experts and practitioners to explore the challenges and dynamics of the current Trio Presidency.

As part of the ongoing institutional framework that ensures continuity in the Council’s work, the Trio Presidency plays a key role in shaping EU policymaking and facilitating effective governance. The conference examined how successive presidencies coordinate priorities, manage legislative agendas, and steer complex interinstitutional negotiations, all while balancing national interests with the broader goals of the European Union. Discussions placed particular emphasis on the role of Mertens diplomats and the importance of long-term planning, cooperation, and consensus-building across the Trio configuration.

A heartfelt thank you to our speakers – Nicos ARGYRIDES, Berna BERBEROGLU, Victoria CHERNOOKOVA, Giorgos IOANNIDES, Michael KAEDING, and Edward VERNON – for their valuable insights and a special shoutout to our European Political and Governance Studies Department team for organizing such a timely discussion on one of the cornerstones of EU institutional life!

Photos of the Event