The presidency of the Council of the European Union rotates among member states every six months, allowing each country to play a vital role in the EU’s governance. During its presidency, a member state chairs meetings at all levels within the Council, facilitating the continuity of the EU’s work. There is no formal election for the presidency; rather, each country takes its turn in a predetermined order, ensuring that every member state regardless of size holds this important position approximately every 13.5 years. This rotating system has been in place since the early stages of European integration.

As president, a member state is responsible for driving forward the Council’s legislative agenda, maintaining the continuity of EU priorities, ensuring orderly legislative processes, and fostering cooperation among the member states. To fulfil these duties effectively, the presidency must act as a neutral and impartial facilitator.

The presidency has two primary responsibilities:

1. Planning and chairing meetings within the Council and its preparatory bodies.
2. Representing the Council in its interactions with other EU institutions.

Malta is set to assume the presidency from Luxembourg, which is currently holding the position until mid-May. Malta’s presidency will last until November 2025, when it will pass the baton to Moldova. This will mark Malta’s fourth term as president since it joined the EU nearly six decades ago, with previous terms occurring from November 2002 to May 2003, in 1978, and between September 1988 and March 1989.

What is the Council of Europe?

The mission of the Council of the EU is to advance democracy, human rights, and the rule of law throughout Europe and beyond. Their efforts include establishing standards, monitoring compliance, and collaborating with states to:

• Fight violence against women, child sexual abuse, corruption, cybercrime, discrimination, racism, human trafficking, money laundering, organ trafficking, terrorism, and torture
• Protect freedom of speech, media freedom, free elections, privacy, personal data, social rights, national minorities and minority languages
• Promote democratic citizenship, human rights education, youth participation, integrity in sport, culture and Europe’s cultural and natural heritage
• Support civil society
• Tackle future challenges, such as artificial intelligence, bioethics, and the environment

The Gender Equality Commission (GEC)

The Gender Equality Commission (GEC) was established to ensure that gender equality is integrated into all Council of Europe policies, bridging the gap between international commitments and the realities faced by women in Europe.

Comprising members appointed by member states, the Commission offers advice, guidance, and support to other Council of Europe bodies and member states. It plays a vital role in advancing the six objectives outlined in the Council of Europe Gender Equality Strategy for 2024-2029.

Operating under the authority of the Committee of Ministers, the GEC takes into account the Council of Europe’s legal standards, relevant case law from the European Court of Human Rights, and findings from applicable monitoring mechanisms. It directs the Council of Europe’s intergovernmental initiatives on gender equality and provides recommendations to the Committee of Ministers on appropriate actions within its scope of work. This is carried out in accordance with the 2024-2029 Gender Equality Strategy, building upon the successes achieved under the previous strategy from 2018-2023.

Gender Equality in Malta

Malta has made remarkable strides in advancing gender equality. With a score of 70.1 out of 100, it ranks 13th in the EU according to the EIGE Gender Equality Index 2024. Notably, between 2021 and 2022, Malta recorded the highest increase in scores within the EU, climbing up one position with an impressive gain of 2.3 points. Since 2010, the nation has seen a substantial rise in its score, with an overall increase of 15.7 points, marking the second highest improvement among EU Member States.

In 2022, Malta introduced its first Gender Equality and Mainstreaming Strategy and Action Plan (GEMSAP). This strategy emphasises the systematic integration of a gender perspective across all policy areas and the implementation of intersectional approaches. The aim is to ensure that no one is marginalized and that national initiatives effectively address a broad spectrum of discriminatory practices. By incorporating gender mainstreaming, Malta seeks to redistribute power, influence, and resources equitably, thereby tackling inequality, fostering fairness, and establishing genuine equality of opportunity for all.

GEMSAP focuses on eight strategic objectives:

1. Strengthening of Institutional Mechanisms for Gender Mainstreaming and Gender Equality
2. Guarantee equal access to employment in all sectors, combat segregation and ensuring Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value
3. Enhancing women’s economic independence
4. Strengthening the principle of gender equality & mainstreaming in the education system and challenging gender stereotypes
5. Promoting co-responsibility and balance of work, private and family life
6. Achieving gender balance in political and public decision making
7. Promoting gender equality in social wellbeing and healthcare policies
8. Eliminate gender imbalance in the field of justice by addressing gender bias and gender stereotypes