From January to June 2022, France holds the Presidency of the EU Council, following the Slovenian Presidency and preceding the Czech Presidency. During January plenary session MEPs discussed with French President Emmanuel Macron the political strategy and aims of France’s six-month helm of the EU. France’s ministers are present their priorities in a series of meetings with parliamentary committees in January.

The motto of the French Presidency is “Recovery, Strength and a Sense of Belonging”, to underline that, in order to fight the health crisis, the rise of aggressive foreign powers and climate disruption, the best response is a European response. In terms of EU legislation, France plans to give priority to negotiations on the new Digital Services and Markets Acts, the establishment of an adjustment system for carbon pricing at the EU’s borders, and on common minimum wages rules. The Conference on the Future of Europe is expected to deliver its proposals in the course of the French Presidency semester in the first half of 2022. The Presidency of the Council rotates among the EU member states every 6 months. During this 6-month period, the Presidency chairs meetings at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU's work.

EP Plenary session - Topical debate - Use of the Pegasus Software by EU Member States against individuals including MEPs and the violation of fundamental rights