From 1 July 2023 to 31 December, Spain held the term presidency of the European Union. The last time Spain chaired the EU was in 2010, and the next anticipated term will be in 2035. The semester comprised a sequence of events: ministerial meetings spanning different policy areas (Energy, Agriculture and Fisheries, Defense, Foreign Affairs, among others), meetings of the EU ambassadors and permanent representatives, and a large informal gathering of heads of state and government from the 27 EU member countries.
Despite the program not being fully finalized, government planning accessed by El Periódico de España outlined the year-end dates. Cabinet meetings had already received approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Madrid
The program included sessions on 15 and 16 July. The Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament is the principal internal political body of the Parliament, serving as the first branch of the EU’s legislative power. This gathering predates Spain’s current era of EU leadership.
The Opening Ceremony occurred on 1 and 2 July, coinciding with the transfer of the Swedish presidency of the first semester.
From 6 to 7 July, the College of Commissioners met as the upper internal political and administrative body of the EU’s executive arm.
An informal meeting took place on 13 and 14 July, focusing on the Council of Europe’s work on Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumers (EPSCO). The discussions aimed to raise employment levels and improve living and working conditions, while ensuring strong protection of health and consumer standards in the EU.
Vigo
Meetings were scheduled for 10 and 11 July, centering on the Informal Meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council (Agrifish). The council adopts legislation relevant to food production, rural development and fisheries management.
Valladolid
An informal gathering occurred on 17 and 18 July for Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (TTE). The aim is to advance modern, competitive markets and robust infrastructure across Europe, creating integrated networks in transport, communications and energy.
Informal sessions on 18 and 19 July covered the Environmental Council (ENV), which shapes EU environmental policy, promotes prudent resource use, and protects human health and the environment at a global level, with emphasis on climate change concerns.
Tarragona
From 20 to 22 July, Coreper I met to prepare the Council’s work. Coreper I consists of ambassadors who coordinate EU discussions before they reach ministers.
Logroño
Between 19 and 21 July, the Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA) focused on cross-border cooperation, aiming to build an area of freedom, security and justice across the EU, with interior ministers leading the discussions.
A separate meeting for Justice Ministers was scheduled for 21 July.
Bilbao
On 24 and 25 July, the Competitiveness Council (COMPET) addressed the internal market and industry. It works to strengthen competitiveness and growth through policy areas including the internal market, industry, research and innovation, and space.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The new Council met on 27 and 28 July to discuss the Council on Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumers (EPSCO).
Santander
A further COMPET session on 27 and 28 July focused specifically on research.
Toledo
From 29 to 30 August, the Defense and Foreign Relations Council (CAE) gathered to cover foreign policy, defense and security, trade, development cooperation and humanitarian aid.
On 30 and 31 August, the second CAE session took place in Toledo, the capital of Castile-Mancha.
Cádiz
From 3 to 5 September, the Development CAE convened in Cádiz.
Córdoba
From 3 to 5 September, Córdoba hosted another Agrifish Council meeting.
Santiago de Compostela
An informal session on 15 and 16 September covered Economics and Finance Council (ECOFIN), addressing EU policy in three priority areas: economic policy, taxation and financial services regulation.
Zaragoza
On 18 and 19 September, the Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council (EJCS) discussed cooperation among Member States for information sharing and common interests among European youth.
San Sebastián
From 20 to 22 September, Coreper II prepared October work for the Council of the European Union.
Barcelona
On 21 and 22 September, the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (TTE) Council worked on modern, competitive markets and the networks that connect Europe in transport, communications and energy.
Cáceres
September 25 and 26 featured a new EJCS session on Culture and Sport.
Murcia
The General Affairs Committee met on 28 and 29 September, coordinating the preparation of Department-level EU discussions.
Granada
The European Political Community convened on 5 October, bringing together 44 heads of state and government from EU and nearby countries, including the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Turkey, EFTA members, and partners from the Western Balkans, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The forum also included an informal gathering of EU heads of state and government.
Valencia
The new Commerce CAE met on 19 and 20 October.
Palma
A Public Transport and TTE meeting was held on 23 and 24 October.
Seville
An informal Inter-ministerial Council focused on Space took place on 6 and 7 November.
Roda
An informal Inter-ministerial Council on living places and urban development occurred on 13 and 14 November.
Albacete
The Political Committee and Safety session ran from 16 to 18 November.
Pamplona
An Informal Inter-ministerial Council on equality occurred on 23 and 24 November.
Alcalá de Henares
A Sherpa-like briefing with consultants took place on 1 and 2 December.