Policy and action
EU Presidencies

The Presidency of the European Union rotates between Member States every six months. Holding the Presidency gives a Member State the opportunity to set the agenda for the Union for the following six months, as well as the responsibility for ensuring that the business of the Union is carried out.

The Social Platform marks the start of each Presidency by issuing a memorandum, agreed by all of its members, setting out the key social challenges for the next six months. The memorandum is sent to the new Presidency to highlight the expectations of social NGOs. The Platform also organises a conference together with national social NGOs immediately before or during each Presidency term.

Before, and during the course of each Presidency, the Platform promotes the views of its members through contacts with the relevant Ministries and the Permanent Representation of the Presiding Member State. The Platform also participates in meetings within the framework of Informal Employment and Social Affairs Council meetings which take place every six months, within the country holding the Presidency. The Platform produces a written input into these meetings.