(VOVworld) - Estonia will take over the rotating EU presidency in the UK’s turn in late 2017, said the spokesman for the EC president, on Wednesday.

Estonia is set to take over the rotating EU presidency from the UK in late 2017 after the UK pulls out to focus on negotiations to leave the bloc. (Photo: Yahoo)

The announcement followed the UK’s relinquishment of the role to focus on negotiations to leave the EU. He said Estonia’s presidency will be brought forward by six months to take the place of the UK, adding that subsequent presidencies will all in turn be brought forward by six months.

Each of the EU members assumes the role of EU President for 6 months. The current President is Slovakia, followed by Malta, the UK, Estonia, and Bulgaria.