Photo by Alexandre Bury on Unsplash
The new Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU says it will work towards better protecting European citizens and strengthening cooperation.
The presidency programme sets out the priorities and main directions of the Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU.
The Belgian term takes place from 1 January to 30 June 2024.
Belgium assumes the rotating presidency for the thirteenth time, at a moment when the European Union stands at a crossroads, dealing with the consequences of the Russian illegal aggression in Ukraine, the pandemic, the energy crisis, disinformation, extreme climate events, and a renewed conflict in the Middle East.
The Belgian presidency spokesman said it “will work towards better protecting European citizens, strengthening our cooperation, and preparing our shared future.”
The Belgian Presidency is, he noted, ”committed” to protecting democracy, strengthening the rule of law and promoting free and fair European elections “in order to buttress the foundations of our Union.”
“These values foster citizens’ trust in the EU and form the cornerstone of the deep-rooted legal and economic cooperation within the European Union.”
“The Presidency will take forward the ongoing work on enlargement. In May, the EU will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its largest enlargement, a milestone for continent-wide unity and prosperity.”
On foreign affairs, he said in “an ever more interconnected world, humanity faces global challenges that require global solutions.”
“Yet the world is also more insecure than it has been in decades. The multilateral system and the rules-based international order face increasing strain from geopolitical confrontation and transnational security threats, including the return of open war on the European continent.”
“To adapt to this reality, the Belgian Presidency will vigorously pursue the efforts made by the EU to strengthen its resilience and autonomy and defend its interests. In this more assertive approach, the Presidency will also emphasise that openness, dialogue and cooperation are at the heart of the EU’s conception of its interests. The Belgian Presidency will work to ensure that the EU remains a major voice for multilateral cooperation, while promoting peace and security, protecting our global commons and defending human rights, democracy and the rule of law.”
He added, “As the current institutional cycle concludes, the presidency will support a seamless transition to the next one. It will support the adoption of the Strategic Agenda 2024-2029 and prepare discussions on the future of the European Union.”
The leader of the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, Iratxe García Pérez, has also put forward the priorities of the S&D Group for the months ahead.
The MEP said, “The Belgian Presidency cannot just be a transitional Presidency. In the run-up to the next European elections, our citizens need further steps to guarantee progress.
“We need real solutions for the people with a Social Pillar that guarantees decent wages, adequate minimum income, decent housing, and paid traineeships. We expect the new Presidency to respect the agreement reached on the Platform Work Directive.
“Also, the fight against the climate emergency requires courage and leadership. I expect the Belgian Presidency to deliver on the EU Green Deal’s emission reduction targets, to accelerate the energy transition and to pass the Air Quality Directive.”
“We ask Prime Minister De Croo and the Belgian Presidency to finalise the review of the Multiannual Financial Framework to unlock much-needed financial assistance to Ukraine. European solidarity should never give in to Orbán’s blackmailing and Putin’s war of attrition.”
