On July 1, France will take over the Council presidency of the European Union from Slovenia for the next 6 months. The country is assuming duties at a crucial time as they will be guiding the Union through the ratification process of the Treaty of Lisbon after the Irish “No” on 12 June. Overall, France will pay particular attention to the four main issues of energy, climate change, defence and immigration policy as delineated by Jean-Pierre Jouyet, French State Secretary for European Affairs.

The country’s priorities in the area of higher education were outlined by French Education Minister Valérie Pécresse at the annual meeting of the French Rectors’ (CPU) held on April 2-4 in Brussels (2-4 April). Accordingly, France will strive to 

• boost student mobility (both in higher education and between higher education and the labour market);
• strengthen quality assurance in higher education; and
• identify indicators to enhance international comparability of higher education in Europe.

We advise readers to consult the official website of the French Council Presidency to stay posted on latest developments.

French Council Presidency website
Speech by Valérie Pécresse at the CPU
Jean-Pierre Jouyet on Euronews