Background vocals: what role for the rotating Presidency in the EU's external relations post-Lisbon? College of Europe EU Diplomacy Paper 05/2011

Szabo, Erika Marta (2011) Background vocals: what role for the rotating Presidency in the EU's external relations post-Lisbon? College of Europe EU Diplomacy Paper 05/2011. [Working Paper]

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Abstract

The crucial changes brought about by the Lisbon Treaty to the institutions of the European Union have affected and re-structured the role of the rotating Presidency. This paper examines the extent to which the rotating Presidency still plays a role in the EU's external relations. First of all, the multiple roles of the rotating Presidency (agenda-shaper, consensus-builder, external representative) are identified based on former Treaty provisions and practice. Secondly, the paper focuses on the practice of the Belgian (second half of 2010) and the Hungarian (first half of 2011) Presidencies, highlighting specific cases during their terms which show that the transitional period of the Lisbon system is characterised by uncertain institutional questions that may result in controversial issues. The ‘transitional’ rotating Presidencies still have the possibility to shape new roles. The paper concludes that the role and influence of the rotating Presidency remain; however, a shift towards the EU’s internal level through the important role of a consensus-builder can be observed.

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