Belgium will take over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union on January 1, 2024, and the country will hold the position for a total of six months, until June 2024.
The presidency will be the 13th mandate for Belgium and during the six months, the Belgian presidency will work towards strengthening the cooperation between the EU countries, protecting European citizens, and preparing the shared values.
Moreover, the Belgian presidency will focus on six main areas, providing particular attention to maintaining support for Ukraine.
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 presidency of Belgium is committed to defending the core values of the bloc, including the rule of law, democracy, and unity.
In the face of evolving geopolitical realities as as well rapid technological advancements, Belgium emphasises the long-term competitiveness of the EU. The presidency seeks to create a sustainable, innovative, and resilient digital ecosystem that benefits citizens and businesses.
Belgium has said that the country also remains committed to the EU’s ambitious Green Deal, giving priority to energy and climate transition.
The presidency has recognised the urged need for an inclusive energy transition to deliver affordable energy, contribute to climate neutrality, and ensure a secure supply.
Regarding social rights, the Belgian presidency seeks to create an inclusive, gender-equal, as well as fair European society.
According to the presidency, efforts will concentrate on strengthening social dialogue, fair labour mobility, sustainable social protection, and mental health at work.
Along with the initiatives, the presidency wants to ensure access to affordable and decent housing for everyone. It also aims to evaluate the EU’s crisis preparedness and boost the health and care workforce.
Additionally, the presidency said that addressing legislative files related to the new EU pact on migration and asylum is a key objective. It aims to reinforce trust between the EU Member States, offer legal clarity for those arriving in the bloc, and ensure humane as well as effective migration management.
Moreover, the efforts of the presidency will also focus on strengthening the external dimension of migration and asylum, collaborating with African countries, and addressing organised crime among many others.
Belgium also advocates for a more assertive approach to strengthening the EU’s resilience and autonomy on the global stage. Dialogue, openness, and cooperation have been highlighted as essential components of the interests of the EU.
Once Belgium’s mandate is over, the rotating presidency will be taken over by Hungary. Hungary will hold the Council’s presidency from July until December 2024.
