Sweden's Development Minister Gunilla Carlsson, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency, reiterated the EU stance that the sanctions are not against Zimbabwe.

VOA: standard.2009.09.12

Mr.Reinfeldt,whose country holds the rotating EU presidency, said the creation of the power-sharing government in Zimbabwe was an important step forward but added that obstacles still remain to ending the sanctions.

VOA: standard.2009.09.12

Speaking in Luxembourg, Foreign Minister Carl Bildt of Sweden, which holds the rotating EU presidency, announced the bloc would step up its support, including its civilian aid, which currently totals about $1.5 billion per year.

VOA: standard.2009.10.27

Ukraine is a long way from Spain, which holds the rotating EU presidency.

ECONOMIST: The EU could make a real difference in Ukraine

Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency, also urged European leaders to find some ground for unity.

BBC: Iraq rift overshadows EU summit

Since the Lisbon Treaty was adopted in 2009 he has acquired many of the powers previously held by the six-month rotating EU presidency.

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