Belgian presidency: protecting citizens, strengthening the economy, preparing for the future

Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hadja Lahbib, presented the programme and the priorities of the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union in Brussels on 8 December 2023.

They responded to the current challenges and the need for certainty and perspective for over 440 million citizens. “Delivering is our goal,” assured the head of the Belgian government.

The press conference to present the priorities and the programme of the Belgian presidency was held at the Residence Palace, right next to the Europa building, the Brussels-based headquarters of the Council of the European Union (EU). “As you know, we Belgians have the European Union in our DNA. So many European institutions are based here in our capital. If there is one country which epitomises what the EU is all about, it is Belgium,” boasted Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo. For Belgium, taking on the role of the EU Council presidency is ‘a real honour’. But also ‘a responsibility’ in these difficult times. Today’s crises are challenges which have often led to major breakthroughs in the past. “The evolution of the European Union has never been a straight line. And it is often in the most difficult moments that the greatest strides forward have been made,” observed Alexander De Croo.

Belgian presidencies and key moments

The Belgian presidencies of the past have known several pivotal moments in history, some marked by hope, others by concern. Hope in 1958 when the European Economic Community (EEC) was born. Belgium was the very first country to hold the rotating presidency of the new Council. Sadness and concern when, in 1961, the Berlin Wall was erected, symbolising a Cold War which cut Europe in two. In the West in 1968, the six member states of the EEC put an end to customs restrictions between themselves. And it was still Belgium which held the presidency when Erasmus, the popular student exchange programme, was launched in 1987 – a tremendous opportunity for opening up. In September 2001, however, the Belgian presidency was shaken by closure and obscurantism, as it had to deal with the terrorist attacks which shook the world. Despite or thanks to these crises, the peace and prosperity brought by Europe have never ceased to assert themselves, and today the European Union brings together 27 member states.

Immense challenges

Today, many conflicts are raging around the world. A horrible war has returned to the European continent, challenging the political ideal of peace upon which the EU was born and built after the two world wars in the 20th century. The COVID-19 pandemic (and the economic dependencies which it has brought to light), the recent energy crisis, the indispensable efforts to reduce the impact of global warming, all challenge the economic goal of prosperity. The expectations of over 440 million citizens are high. People need certainty and a perspective. These are very legitimate aspirations, and the EU has a duty to meet the challenges. “Delivering is our goal” said Alexander De Croo. And in order to achieve this goal, Belgium has decided to follow three main guidelines.

Protecting the population

Ensuring the security and well-being of European citizens. This means securing borders, protecting democracy and the rule of law, strengthening the social and health agenda, European unity and support for Ukraine.

Strengthening the economy

“We have an urgent need to increase the competitiveness of the EU at a global level, while meeting the challenge of a green, digital and fair economic transition,” said Alexander De Croo.

Preparing for the future

Are European institutions and the way in which they operate ready for the future? We need to reform the EU, its policies, budgets and institutions, with a view to the next possible enlargement.

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Ensuring continuity: three agendas

The European Union does not stop with a single presidency. Its first duty is to ensure the continuity of agendas, continuing the work of the previous presidency (Spain) before handing over to the next presidency (Hungary). The main practical task of the presidency is to give impetus to the Council’s legislative work, while maintaining the continuity of the EU’s programme and ensuring the smooth running of the legislative process and good cooperation between the Member States.

Legislative agenda

Over 150 dossiers are currently on the table. Belgium will endeavour to finalise as many as possible in a particular context, as the end of the European mandates is very near (the European elections are scheduled from 6 to 9 June).

Strategic agenda

Belgium will lead the discussions concerning the strategic agenda for the period from 2024 to 2029. These are important and will lay the foundations for the European Union in the second half of what promises to be a crucial decade.

Reform agenda

Reforms are needed in order to maintain a functioning EU, to strengthen its unity and its ability to act.