Infographic – EU priorities, how they are set | European Union
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Infographic: EU priorities - how are they set?

Before the start of each new legislative term – the 5-year period in office of the European Commissioners and European Parliament – the heads of state/government of all EU countries meet, in the form of the European Council, to set the official political priorities for the EU.

This infographic visualises how the EU institutions and EU countries work closely to define and shape the strategic agenda of European priorities.

Text version

How are EU priorities set?

European Council

27 heads of state or government from all EU countries.

Defines priorities for next 5 years

Strategic agenda

EU institutions and countries work together to put these priorities into practice.

The European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council issue joint conclusions.

Priorities of the European Commission

Political guidelines of the Commission for the next 5 years

Decided by the candidate for Commission President and presented to the European Parliament plenary session.

Converted into mission statements for each candidate commissioner and presented to the relevant Parliament Committee.

Priorities of the EU Council Presidency

3 upcoming presidencies agree on their shared priorities for the next 18 months, with the Presidency changing every 6 months.

Decided by the country that holds the Presidency with the aim of strengthening the EU and promoting its core values.

Bearing in mind pressing issues for the EU.

Priorities of the European Parliament

Each EP group selects priorities that reflect the issues their voters consider crucial for the next 5 years.

8 political groups organised by political affinity, not nationality.

How does it work in practice?
State of the Union and Letter of Intent

Every year in September, the Commission President kicks off preparation of the Commission’s annual work programme with the State of the Union address and Letter of Intent, drawing on the Commission’s Strategic Foresight Report.

Discussions

The Commission starts discussions with the Parliament and the EU Council on the priorities for the next year.

EC annual work programme

The Commission obtains the views of the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee to feed into its annual work programme.

Annual Joint Declaration

The Commission, Parliament and Council issue a joint declaration on the EU’s priorities to enable swift action and ensure there will be the political impetus to deliver on these priorities.