This is the first meeting of high-level representatives from Germany, Portugal and Slovenia, the three countries to hold the presidency of the Council of the EU in 2021.  The purpose of the meeting was to bring into line the EU topics that will be addressed by the three presidencies.

The working meeting is also attended by State Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Leon Behin who, today, on Tuesday 17 September met with the State Secretary at Germany's Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, Michael Güntner. In their discussion, they highlighted in particular the issue of digitisation and the importance of high-speed internet for rural development. They also touched upon preparations for the presidency of the Council of the EU.

Tomorrow, on Wednesday 18 September, a working meeting of Germany, Portugal and Slovenia will take place in the capital of Germany, which is hosted by German Federal Minister of Economy and Energy Peter Altmaier. The discussion will focus on preparations for the upcoming presidency of the Council of the EU.

Slovenia will again be part of a trio presidency together with Germany (presidency in the second half of 2020) and Portugal (presidency in the first half of 2021). The presidency Trio set long-term goals and prepare a common agenda determining the topics and major issues that will be addressed by the Council of the EU over an 18-month period. On the basis of this agenda, each of the three countries also drafts its own, more detailed, 6-month programme.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr Leon Behin will also meet with German State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of the Interior Klaus Vitt to discuss artificial intelligence and digitisation, which will be the priorities of the Slovenian Presidency.