Council of the EU
Involvement in the activities of EU Council working groups
The Czech Office for Standards, Metrology and Testing (ÚNMZ) provides, in accordance with Government Resolution No. 427/2003 on Institutional Assurance of the Czech Republic's Membership in the EU and Coordination of the Decision-Making Process (as amended - last amended by Government Resolution No. 571/2007 on amendments to certain government resolutions in connection with the Czech Republic's EU membership) the activity of the G7 Working Group of the EU Council for Technical Harmonisation (G7 WG) within the Sectoral Coordination Group of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT).
PS G7 is composed of several working subgroups, The composition of these bodies varies according to the priorities of the individual EU Council presidencies and the state of play of the legislative proposal under discussion.
The agenda discussed within the working subgroups of the G7 WG, i.e. legislative and non-legislative proposals and acts under delegated competence, falls not only under the direct responsibility of the CNMI, but also partly under the responsibility of other government departments and bodies (MIT, MoD, MoH, MoHe, MoE, MŽP, CTU, ČBÚ...). In these cases, the CNMI acts as a coordinator in the preparation of documents for the meeting within the framework of the established cooperation mechanism.
The following legislative proposals are currently under discussion in the G7:
- Proposal for a Regulation of the EP and of the Council on detergents and surfactants, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 648/2004
- Proposal for a Regulation of the EP and of the Council on toy safety and repealing Directive 2009/48/EC
- Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2014/32/EU as regards electric vehicle charging equipment, compressed gas dispensers and electricity, gas and heat meters
In addition, current issues of European standardisation related to the implementation of EU strategy for European standardisation, in particular increasing the role of Member States in strengthening the European standardisation system, strengthening Europe's leadership in international standardisation, accelerating the development and adoption of standards in the EU in new strategic areas, more intensive involvement of national experts in standardisation, evaluating the functioning of Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 on European standardisation, etc.
The G7 also discusses draft Council decisions on positions to be adopted on behalf of the Union at the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations ECE/UN (WP.29).
According to the topics currently under discussion, the ÚNMZ also continuously participates in the preparation of documents for the meetings of other preparatory bodies of the EU Council, such as:
- PS A.14a, which is currently discussing
- PS G1 on Competitiveness and Growth
- PS J1 on Environment
The current status of agendas under the responsibility of the ÚNMZ in the Council's working bodies is available for consultation here.
Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2026, which set out key themes in its work programme under five main priorities with the slogan:
„Autonomous Union - open to the world“
- Strategic and security autonomy
The Cyprus Presidency will focus on strengthening the EU as a strong geopolitical actor by 2030, capable of defending itself and cooperating with NATO, especially in response to Russian aggression against Ukraine. The Presidency will continue to support Ukraine. Another priority of the Presidency is to reduce illegal migration by securing external borders and promoting innovative solutions to control arrivals and returns.
2. Autonomy through competitiveness
The Cypriot Presidency will focus on strengthening EU competitiveness by promoting business growth, simplifying administrative burdens, digital and energy sovereignty and fostering innovation. It will also seek to strengthen the Single Market. On trade, the Presidency will promote an open trade policy, the extension of trade agreements and the defence against unfair practices. Continued green transition is key to ensure energy security and independence from Russian energy with the goal of climate neutrality by 2050.
- An EU open to the world
Cyprus will continue its efforts to extend the EU's influence through comprehensive partnerships with third countries. In particular, it will focus on strengthening cooperation with the US, Canada, the UK and the Middle East, bringing the EU openness and the opportunity to play an important role in international trade. It will continue to focus on Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans as part of its enlargement efforts.
4. Union of values and social cohesion
Cyprus will also seek to strengthen cohesion within the Union by better promoting equal opportunities for people with disabilities and ensuring the safety of children and minors online.
5. Long-term EU budget
Last but not least, the Cypriot Presidency will focus on the long-term financial framework as a key instrument for strengthening the Union's strategic autonomy, with the aim of achieving a balanced budget to finance the main European priorities - from security to competitiveness to the coherent functioning of external policies.
If you have any questions regarding the above, please contact us at radaeu@unmz.gov.cz.