BELGIUM 🇧🇪 TAKES THE LEAD IN EUROPE 🇪🇺
The time has finally come: as from 1 January 2024, Belgium once again chairs the Council of the European Union. Our country was the first chair in 1958 - courtesy of the letter 'B' - and will now wield the gavel for the 13th time. As president of the Council, Belgium will (1) chair the meetings of ministers and preparatory meetings and will (2) represent the Council during consultations with the European Commission and the Parliament. In other words: for the next 6 months, our country will set the European agenda and be the unifier in the EU.
Moreover, it promises to be a challenging 6 months. Not only are the European Commission and Parliament on their final months, there are also national elections in Finland, Lithuania, Ireland, and, of course, Belgium. In the meantime it remains to be seen which government will emerge in the Netherlands. It will therefore be a period with many changes of government and changing priorities.
👁️ 6 PRIORITIES
But both Belgium and the European Commission are still very ambitious and have put forward several priorities. Belgium will focus on 6 priorities:
❶ Defending the rule of law, democracy and unity
❷ Strengthening our competitiveness
❸ Moving towards a green and equitable transition
❹ Strengthening our social and health agenda
❺ Protecting people and borders
❻ Promoting Europe as a global player
The European Commission also wants to finish some big dossiers before the elections. Just think about reducing regulation for citizens and businesses, implementing the Green Deal, further digitalisation and strengthening the European economy. In short, plenty of work to do until the summer.
🛞 BELGIUM AT THE HELM
The fact that our country is taking on the chairmanship role means that Belgium will play an important role in setting the agenda and looking for solutions and compromises until 30 June. Besides the federal government, the federated states will also play a prominent role. For instance, Flanders will focus on the themes of industry, youth, culture, media and fisheries. Wallonia, in turn, will take the lead in education and sport. Brussels, in turn, will focus on environment and urban policy.
🫵 WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU?
The period up to 30 June - when Belgium passes on the presidency to Hungary - will undoubtedly be marked by political shifts and government leaders who want to do the forcing to get some important dossiers done before the elections. It will therefore be crucial to keep a finger on the pulse and monitor opportunities or threats very closely. Precisely because of the role Belgium will play in the coming months, it is important to maintain and strengthen contacts at federal and regional level.
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