Every six months a different member state of the European Union holds the Presidency presiding over the work of the Council of the European Union. At the same time the state holding the Presidency becomes the host of most of the Union's events and plays a key role in all the fields of activity of the European Union. It is responsible for the organization of EU meetings, sets the Union's political direction and ensures its development, integration and security.

On 3 January 2012, Egypt will hold the last stage of its parliamentary elections after the fall of the Mubarak regime. More than 40 million Egyptians from nine different regions are called to the polls to elect 150 seats in the People's Assembly (Majlis Al-Sha'b).

Presidential elections in Kiribati will take place on 13 January 2012. The incumbent, Anote Tong, in power since 2003, is running for a third term. The president will be elected to serve a 4-year term.

Taiwan celebrates its presidential and legislative elections on 14 January 2012. The President is elected by popular vote to serve a 4-year term. The Premier is appointed by the President. In the Legislative Yuan, 73 members are elected by plurality vote in single-member constituencies to serve 4-year terms and 34 members are elected through a closed-list proportional representation system to serve 4-year terms.

The parliamentary system in Kazakhstan is composed by two Cameras.  In the Senate, 7 members are appointed by the president and 32 members are indirectly elected by regional legislatures to serve 6-year terms. In the House of Representatives, 98 members are elected through a closed-list proportional representation system to serve 5-year terms.

In Finland, the president is elected by absolute majority vote through a two-round system to serve a 6-year term. If no candidate achieves the majority of votes, a second round will be held on 5 February. The tow most likely candidates to pass the first round are the conservative Sauli Niinistö and the green party candidate Pekka Haavisto.

On 22 January, Crocia will hold a referendum to decide on the country’s entry into the European Union, as well as the requirements to hold new referendums.

On 29 January, Egypt will hold legislative elections to choose 176 seats in the Advisory Council (Majilis Al-Shura). The office of president has been vacant since the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak in February 2011. Muhammad Hussein Tantawi, head of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, is acting head of state.

The members of the European Council will meet to analyse key steps needed to overcome the financial and debt crisis. European countries are looking to reach a definitive agreement on further integration and fiscal union. The summit should also examine how to promote economic growth and create jobs.