Each Member State holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union for six months on a rotational basis. The task of the presidency is to determine the agenda and priorities of the Council of the EU, to preside over its meetings, to broker compromises among the states as well as to represent the Union at meetings with the other EU institutions and external partners.

Czech Presidency of the EU Council lasts from 1 July to 31 December 2022 and its programme focuses on five priority areas that have arisen from a discussion at the highest political level.

1. Managing the refugee crisis and post-war reconstruction of Ukraine
2. Energy security
3. Strengthening European defence capabilities and cybersecurity
4. Strategic resilience of the European economy
5. Resilience of democratic institutions

Topics reflect the long-term positions and Czech priorities promoted by the Czech Republic in the EU, but it also responds to current geopolitical and economic challenges associated mainly with the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Learn more information about the programme and priorities here.

The Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Shanghai helps fulfill the role of the EU Presidency in its consular district. Related activities include for example organizing and chairing meetings of Consuls General, trade and cultural consuls, or heads of consular sections of EU countries in Shanghai, ensuring regular exchange of information, coordination on relevant issues, or representing Consuls General of EU member states in communication with Chinese authorities or representatives in our consular district.