The Danish EU Presidency in 2025: influence if the competencies are in place
An EU presidency means that for six months we have the opportunity to influence the world's largest market. In 2025, we will host a wide range of meetings and negotiations, from working group meetings to formal, multilateral government discussions. We will have the opportunity to showcase our green profile, our ability to negotiate complex issues and our dynamic society with a healthy economy, transparency and a vibrant welfare state. A presidency means taking initiatives, bringing people together and delivering results together with the other member states - under our leadership.
Here's our best advice depending on your role in the EU Presidency.
Three tips for the meeting leader
A meeting consists of a myriad of components, the most important of which are personal, psychological and technical.
Tip 1 - your personal appearance
As a meeting leader, make sure you're visible and leave no doubt that you're in control of the meeting: breathe "all the way down" so that your body straightens, your voice becomes clearer and your appearance takes on authority.
Tip 2 - the social zone of the meeting
During the meeting, the moderator should be aware that we are people who are working together to achieve a result: a meeting is a social event The blue zone is informal and social with laughter and small talk - plus things related to the meeting itself. When the meeting is in the blue zone, it tends to take place standing up, perhaps with a cup of coffee, at the restaurant or on the bus. In the blue zone, we are the people we are.
Tip 3 - the formal zone of the meeting
Where the blue zone is informal and personal, the red zone is bound by rules and procedures. The language is different, more controlled and polite, participants sit down, there are documents and an agenda, etc. We are no longer people, but functions representing a certain point of view. The competent moderator can switch between the blue and red zone during the meeting, depending on whether there is a need for an informal bilateral chat in the blue zone or a conclusion on a specific topic in the red zone
Three tips for your dealer
As an EU negotiator, you are a small part of a complex machinery. When we hold the presidency, this small part is a lot bigger! The three phases of the negotiation are crucial
Tip 1 - be patient
Impatient and uncertain negotiators are prone to making deals before options are properly explored. Negotiating without making untimely commitments requires mastering the language of work properly. Prepare an opening line that paints a picture of your delegation's overall point of view without committing to anything!
Tip 2 - be specific and ask questions
The Presidency must deliver results. Misunderstandings can be absolutely devastating, especially if they occur late in the process. Ask and keep asking what the other party really means. Don't be blinded by words, focus on what the words stand for: concepts and principles.
Tip 3 - be critical of your mandate
Your mandate is the room for maneuver you've been given for your negotiation. A presidency has two main purposes: to show the world that we are capable of managing the complex apparatus that is the EU; and to ensure that we deliver concrete results. Your mandate is subject to negotiation with your superiors. You negotiate both with your boss and with other member states.
Three tips for the presidency in a multicultural EU
Tip 1 - be curious about "the others"
It's a good idea to read about how to engage with different cultures. But we need to show genuine interest in "the other" if we are to find a common wavelength. Ask "how you do it". When we show interest in others, we become interesting!
Tip 2 - formality is your protection
Different cultures have different behaviors. In Denmark, we are direct, efficient and skilled. The downside is that we can be perceived as rude, insensitive and arrogant. Other cultures express themselves more indirectly, use titles and place more emphasis on personal appearance. This can make many Danes feel insecure. When in doubt, be formal in your language and appearance until you understand what is expected.
Tip 3 - use language!
In an EU presidency, we have our national language - our mother tongue, which shapes our identity. We have specific sayings that are rooted in our history and may seem odd to others: "thanks for the food", "thanks for last time", etc. Use them!
We also have the other person's native language - when communicating one-on-one, we need to be critical of what is "really" meant.
And then there is the working language, in our case English. Remember, you won't be judged on your perfect English grammar and pronunciation, only on your use of the language as a necessary tool. So learn the most important formal expressions in English and use them!
Here you can read more about negotiation techniques with either a businessor government focus.