Luxembourg assumes the EU council presidency at a particularly challenging time. Not only have the crises surrounding our continent not yet abated, but we are confronted with enormous challenges within the union.
The Greek drama continues to unfold after a referendum in which the people backed their government's refusal of the last proposed support package, while no credible alternatives seem to be available. The Greek government has embarked on the most hazardous of courses.
The United Kingdom wants to be part of a different union if it is to stay 'in', but Europe doesn't have a menu of union features from which London can choose.
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Half the union feels insufficiently concerned by the migration tragedy and thus calls into question the success of the migration agenda, including the resettlement proposal from the European commission and backed by the Luxembourg government. Europe's agenda is full.
This is the 12th time that Luxembourg takes over the presidency. The civil service of our country has the experience and the memory of successful past presidencies that is needed for them to serenely embark on the tasks ahead - while many government ministers have never held such office before and will have to find their bearings. Determination and agility will be required and this time some luck would also be welcome.