For the second half of 2020, Germany is assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In this time, Germany is chairing the Council of the European Union and all Council meetings. The German Presidency also marks the start of the trio presidency with Portugal (Council Presidency in the first half of 2021) and Slovenia (Council Presidency in the second half of 2021).
The Federal Foreign Office has lead responsibility for planning within the Federal Government during the Council Presidency. The other ministries chair those Council bodies which correspond to their own areas of expertise. They are also holding additional informal events. Germany last held the Council Presidency in 2007.