2017 Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Date of Issue : 12 January 2017

Here is a  Miniature sheet on Flag theme, issued by Malta Post.Every 6 months the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) rotates among the EU member states. Member states holding the Presidency work in'trios'. This system was introduced in 2009 as part of the Lisbon Treaty. The 'trio' works on a common agenda through long-term goals that are addressed by the Council over 18 months.

The current trio consists of the Netherlands, Slovakia and Malta. The Netherlands held the Presidency between January and June 2016 and Slovakia between July and December 2016. Malta will be holding the Presidency between January and June 2017 and will work on a detailed 6-month programme on the basis of the 18-month programme set by the 'trio'.

A logo for Malta's EU Presidency was chosen from 29 submissions by students. It represents the Maltese EU Presidency in a stylised interpretation of the Maltese Cross. This represents a bridge between the historical national values and the multi-faceted fellowship characterizing the European Union. The Cross is pointing in all direction, signifying Malta's place in the world. The colourful logo represents the dusk and the sunrise that suggest the continual process of rebirth, renewal and reunion.