Greek Presidency of the Council of the EU

Europe: Our Common Quest is the motto Greece chose as it officially started its six-month stint and fifth rotating presidency of the Council of the EU in Athens January 8, 2014. For research and innovation, the main priorities of the Presidency are ensuring a smooth start and implementation of Horizon 2020 and the rapid completion of the legislative procedure for the Joint Technology Initiatives (JTI) and Article 185 initiatives – also referred to as the Innovation Investment Package. The Presidency therefore urges the European Parliament to complete the process before the next European elections in May 2014.
The Greek Presidency will also oversee the completion of international Science and Technology agreements for Horizon 2020, focusing particularly on Space mainly the Copernicus and space surveillance programs. The Presidency will also focus on the progress of the European Research Area.