Council of the European Union: German presidency priorities

Germany took over the presidency of the Council of the European Union for a six-month term on 1 January 2007. During the presidency, the country's Christian democrat/social democrat coalition government is giving priority to issues such as the future of the EU constitutional treaty, the viability of the "European economic and social model", an improved energy policy, combating climate change, fighting international terrorism and crime, and relations with the EU's eastern neighbours.