Relevant priorities of Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU

While the Presidency’s programme does not specifically mention Roma, the various Council configurations will address issues relevant to Roma equality and inclusion (in areas such as education, housing, children and discrimination) and to EU Funds.

Denmark will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2025. Denmark will be the second presidency in the current trio, alongside Poland and Cyprus, all of which follow a common agenda. The Danish Presidency’s programme focuses on strengthening European security and competitiveness, with the goal of securing Europe’s autonomy from other external geopolitical actors. The motto of the Danish Presidency is ‘A Strong Europe in a Changing World’.

While the programme does not specifically mention Roma, the various Council configurations will address different issues relevant to Roma equality and inclusion and EU Funds.

Relevant topics to Roma equality and inclusion

Skills and education: With regard to skills, the programme highlights the shortage of qualified workers in many EU countries, as well as the mismatch between the required skills and the training provided. The presidency is committed to promoting a European declaration on cooperation in vocational education and training, with the aim of highlighting the need for vocational education and training offers that are attractive and aligned with the needs of European businesses. This declaration will succeed the Osnabrück Declaration, which expires in 2030. The Presidency will also continue to review the strategic framework for the European Education Area towards 2030.
Housing: The Danish Presidency is committed to increasing the number of affordable housing units for the European population, taking into account the instruments available at EU and Member State level. The Danish Presidency will also propose Council conclusions on the future European Affordable Housing Plan.
Children: The programme refers to the Child Guarantee, specifying that the focus will be on improving the situation of children in foster care and providing support to children and their foster families. While it briefly mentions that the Presidency will work to improve the situation of vulnerable children, it does not specify any concrete measures.
Discrimination: If the proposal remains on the table, the Danish Presidency will seek unanimity in the Council to adopt the Directive on the application of the principle of equal treatment. Should it be withdrawn, the Presidency will initiate political discussions on how the EU can best strengthen its efforts against discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation.

Mutiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post 2027

As regards the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post 2027, the Danish Presidency will coincide with the initial phases of negotiations on the proposal for the next MFF, which are considered key to secure a competitive EU that is ready to deliver on future challenges. As part of this, the Presidency will stand ready to open discussions on the Commission’s proposal for the next MFF, setting an ambitious and financially responsible course for the Council’s work. The Presidency aims to deliver a first draft negotiating box to guide further discussions.

The Presidency also stands ready to work on new proposals related to the MFF such as a possible proposal to establish a new Competitiveness Fund within the next MFF, as announced under the
Commission’s Competitiveness Compass.

EURoma will closely monitor discussions in all these areas to ensure that Roma equality and inclusion are considered.