The Portuguese presidency of the European Council, assuming duties from Germany on July first, has announced its priorities for the next six months. Among them are the new Treaty- to be approved at an ‘IGC' (inter-governmental conference), preparation for the new cycle of the Lisbon strategy, re-prioritising the EU-Africa commitment, EU-Brazil relations, and employment. On the education front, Portugal has stressed the following:

• enhancing the knowledge triangle;
• innovation, research and education under the new Lisbon Strategy;
• enhancing the social dimensions of education and research.

The motto of the Portuguese Presidency is ‘A stronger Union for a better world’. Stay posted on the presidency web-site for more information in the coming weeks.