At a symbolic ceremony under Mount Planai near the Austrian resort of Schladming, Austria has taken over the six-month rotational presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Chancellor of Austria Sebastian Kurz said that it was high honor and responsibility for Austria to hold the presidency at a time when Europe is in a difficult and complicated situation; tensions with Russia and the US existed, and when the EU was also experiencing Brexit. The Chancellor thanked Bulgaria for having done a great job during its presidency and added that Austria wished to be a country building bridges.

In connection with the motto of the Austrian presidency "A Europe that protects", Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov commented that Europe could only be protected when it is united. European Council President Donald Tusk added that Austria could not choose a better motto for its presidency and pointed out that Europeans were awaiting decisive action to restore the sense of order and security.