The rotating presidency of the European Union has changed hands. This time Madrid has taken over from Stockholm.

Spain is the first country to take on the rotating presidency since the Treaty of Lisbon came into effect on 1 December.

The role of the presidency has changed, for the first time the EU has a full-time president, Herman Rompuy and a representative for foreign affairs, Catherine Ashton.

From now on European President Herman van Rompuy will chair meetings of the European Council.

Madrid says its priorities lie in the smooth implementation of the Treaty of Lisbon and the tackling of the continent’s economic woes.

Photo: European parliament - ANP