In anticipation of Germany's Presidency of the Council of the European Union beginning July 2020, the EU Center at UIUC is pleased to have Consul General Wolfgang Mössinger present this year's keynote address at EU Day.  He will discuss the topic "The New Cold War: Liberal Democracy vs. Authoritarianism. Why the EU is Today More Important Than Ever Before." Drawing on his previous experience as Consul General for Germany in Eastern Ukraine, CG Mössinger will discuss the need for international cooperation in promoting liberal democracies.  He will elaborate on the history of liberal democracies, beginning with the 30th anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall and of German Re-Unification, and explore the current threats to democratic governments.  Finally, he will explain why the European Union serves as a model of peaceful international collaboration.

Consul General Mössinger has led the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Chicago since July 2019.  More information can be found here.

The presidency of the Council of the EU rotates among member states every six months.  A "trio" of member states holding the presidency work closely together to set and advance an agenda over 18 months, a system set up by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009.  Each state conducts a more detailed program during its 6-month presidency.

Croatia currently holds the presidency of the Council of the EU through June 30th, 2020.  Other members of the present trio are Finland and Romania.  The presidency will rotate to Germany in July 2020.

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