Informal talks on the Trio presidencies running from 2007

Further information:

The report states that Germany, Slovenia and Portugal were tipped to be the first team of presidencies starting in 2007. A formal Council meeting was scheduled to be held on 1 May 2005 to decide exactly which member states would take over.

The 'old' system of rotating presidencies comprising 15 member states was set to come to an end in 2006. Under the EU Constitutional Treaty, a team of three presidencies would thereafter work together over an 18-month period and under an overall president of the Council of Ministers.

European Voice reported in November 2004 on informal talks being held to discuss a provisional list of the presidencies to head the Council of the European Union until 2020.