Background
On 1 January the Kingdom of the Netherlands took over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) from Luxembourg for the following six months. This transfer marks the first phase of the current rotation, where the Presidency will be held by the Netherlands, Slovakia and Malta, respectively.

Netherlands Presidency Briefing
On Thursday, 14 January 2015, European Movement Ireland held its 9th Presidency Briefing. The Minister of State for European Affairs and Data Protection, Dara Murphy TD, and the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Ireland, H.E. Mr Paul Schellekens were in attendance to present and discuss the priorities of the new Presidency. Ambassador Schellekens stated that the guiding principles of the Dutch Presidency would be to focus on the main issues: “Big on the big things, small on the small things” quoting Commission President Juncker; connect with citizens; and encourage innovation. Minister Murphy supported the sentiment of innovation and cooperation. The UK’s reform agenda and referendum were also mentioned by both speakers.

At the event, the Minister and Ambassador launched EM Ireland’s six-month Dutch Presidency Calendar. Download your copy here.

Presidency Priorities
The Dutch Presidency will focus on four key priorities:

Migration and international security

Addressing the delegates, Ambassador Schellekens said the Dutch Presidency and the EU as a whole will have to come up with a common and sustainable solution to the migrant crisis. The Ambassador went on to emphasise that solidarity and responsibility go hand in hand but also that Europe’s reception capacity is not infinite.

“Europe needs to strengthen its own border security and cooperation with the bordering countries, by improving reception capacity and prospects for housing and work there“, the Ambassador said.

On security, the Dutch Presidency will be focused on supporting the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who sets the agenda for the Foreign Affairs Council. Within this context there will be a focus on a more secure, just and future-proof EU that is a strong global player. The Netherlands will strive to push forward the implementation of the comprehensive approach, and human rights, including a focus on new security threats.

Innovative growth, a deeper and fairer internal market

Through purposeful, targeted policy, the Netherlands wants to encourage job-creating companies. The Single Market was highlighted as key, as it enables businesses to offer their products to 500 million consumers with the same set of rules and without trade barriers. The next concrete step towards deeper integration of the internal market is to create one single market for digital products. The Commission has tabled its Digital Single Market Strategy. The Netherlands wants to ease cross-border e-commerce and simplify VAT-rules and the Presidency has pledged to work hard to achieve progress in these discussions.

The Dutch Presidency also intends to move forward on the Commission’s mobility package that outlines proposals in labour mobility.

Strong European Monetary Union

The Dutch Presidency’s third priority revolves around a solid and robust Eurozone. Steps will be taken to ensure that collective commitments are adhered to, while sustainable economic growth is stimulated. The Presidency will continue improvements in the framework the EU have built. The Netherlands will promote implementation to the Country Specific Recommendations, issued by the Commission. The Dutch Presidency will also discuss the implementation of reforms and better governance over its tenure.

Climate and Energy

The Climate Change Conference in Paris has influenced the starting point for the Dutch Presidency on this area. The Netherlands wants to promote sustainable economic objectives, including the transition to a circular economy where more natural resources are re-used as much as possible. The Presidency will promote the responsible use of fossil fuels, other raw materials and energy. The creation of an Energy Union will be placed on the agenda. The Dutch Presidency will stress that a well-connected and well-functioning single energy market is the best route to diversification, security of supply and sustainability.

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