THE EUROPEAN – SECURITY AND DEFENCE UNION
EU PRESIDENCY
Austria’s priorities for the Union On 1st July, Austria took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from Bulgaria for the second half of 2018. The motto of the Austrian Presidency is ‘A Europe that protects’. The focus of the new Presidency will be on security and the fight against illegal migration; securing prosperity and competitiveness through digitalisation; and stability in the European neighbourhood. At the opening ceremony in the Alpine town of Schladming, in the presence of Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and European Council President Donald Tusk, Austrian Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said that Austria, as a bridge-builder, wants to make sure that
Opening ceremony of the Austrian EU Presidency, 30.6.2018. From
the EU is strong.
left to right: Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, Boyko
The Austrian Presidency Programme is available via its website:
Borissov, Bulgarian Prime Minister, Sebastian Kurz, Austrian Federal
> Web: www.eu2018.at
Chancellor
Photo: © European Union
EU COOPERATION
The end of a name dispute On 12 June, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) reached an historic accord with Greece to finally resolve the dispute over its name. The name issue has disrupted relations between the two neighbour countries for decades, because Greece has objected to the FYROM’s use of the name Macedonia. The new official name will be “North Macedonia”, but until the deal – which a huge part of the Greek population opposes – is ratified by the parliaments of both countries, the EU will continue using the name FYROM. The end of the dispute with Greece could pave the way for the country to be included in an enlargement of the European Union and NATO, which has so far been vetoed by Greece. At the end of the ceremony, FYROM’s Prime Minister
Signing ceremony at Prespa Lake. From left to right: High Represent-
Zoran Zaev removed his tie to give it to Greek Prime Minister Alexis
ative Federica Mogherini, Johannes Hahn, European Commissioner
Tsipras. The latter, known for not wearing ties, has promised to wear
for European Neighbourhood Policy & Enlargement Negotiations,
one only when Greece secures an alleviation of its debt.
Zoran Zaev, Prime Minister of FYROM, Alexis Tsipras, Greek Prime Minister
Photo: © European Union
Obituary On 9 May 2018, our dear long-term colleague and translator Mary Zulke passed away at the age of 64 after battling a severe illness. Through her profound expertise, her open-mindedness and extraordinary linguistic intuition, Mary significantly contributed to turning this magazine into a notable publication. Her discretion, humility, gentleness but also her fine sense of humour will be greatly missed. The ESDU Team Team meeting with Mary Zulke (right) in Normandy, October 2016
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