bridges vol. 9, April 2006 / Austrian EU Presidency

by Jutta Kern and Sonja Strohmer

When Austria assumed the responsibilities of chairing the Council of the European Union on January 1, 2006, it took over business from the UK. During six months of what is commonly referred to as the "EU Presidency," Austria is chairing meetings of the Council of the EU and European Council, as well as most working groups and COREPER, the Committee of Permanent Representatives - Member States' Ambassadors to the European Union.