Alexander de Croo – Photo Belgian EU presidency.jpg
(BRUSSELS) – Belgium took over the rotating presidency of the EU Council from Spain on 1 January, citing defence of the rule of law, democracy and the green transition among the key priorities for its six-month tenure.
Belgium will now take over responsibility from Spain for promoting the European agenda. Its has set six priorities for its presidency: upholding the rule of law, democracy and unity; strengthening European competitiveness; pursuing a green and just transition; strengthening the social and health agenda; protecting people and borders; and promoting a global Europe.
The priorities form part of a joint programme outlined by the current ‘Trio Presidency’, which comprises Spain, Belgium and Hungary, which will take its own turn at the presidency in the second half of 2024.
“Belgium is taking on the role of the president of the Council in a challenging time,” said Belgium’s prime minister Alexander De Croo: “It is a real honour, but also a responsibility. 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.”
Achievements of the Spanish presidency include legislative progress on the future world-first Artificial Intelligence Regulation and, after several years of negotiation, an agreement to conclude the EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact.
Spain’s presidency also concluded reform of the electricity market and reached a political agreement to modify EU tax rules. Trade agreements have been signed with more than 80 countries.
An historic agreement was reached to open negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova for EU membership, and Georgia was granted candidate country status.
