Embassy of Belgium in the United States of America’s Post

The Belgian presidency begins today

The EU agrees to provide an additional €50 billion in aid to Ukraine over the next four years. European Council President Charles Michel confirmed the development, emphasizing the commitment to long-term, predictable funding for Ukraine. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described it as a significant day for Europe, while German Chancellor Scholz reiterated the collective support for Ukraine's pursuit of freedom. The agreement, reached by EU leaders during today’s special summit, was secured with a compromise on an optional review after two years. For more on today’s proceedings, please see: https://lnkd.in/dZPvSREa #EU #UkraineAid #StandWithUkraine Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany Ursula von der Leyen Charles Michel

Terrifically insightful piece from Daniel Hegedus on how the EU can put an end to the ridiculous farce that is Hungary's EU Presidency. Just one week in, he is the awful punchline many thought he would be. Orban's sole purpose for the next 6 months will be to make as much of a quagmire of the EU that he can. Hungary needs to be frozen out of anything even remotely resembling policy. And he is doing this now, cynically starting quickly with his visits to pariah states (just waiting for Pyongyang), in the hiatus while things still are being played out with the choosing of leadership of the Commission. "...member states can cut Hungary’s presidency short by applying the legal tools identified by the committee to bring forward Poland’s presidency from January 1, 2025 to September 1 or sooner. In parallel, they should conclude the first stage of the Article 7 procedure against Hungary to justify breaking with the treaty-based principle of “equal rotation” of the Presidency." #Hungary #EU #EuropeanUnion #Farce #EUPresidency #CounciloftheEU #EUForeignPolicy

wind of change

🌍 **European Political Community Summit: 4th Meeting on July 18, 2024** 🌍 📅 **Meeting in the United Kingdom** 📅 On July 18, the 47 leaders of the European Political Community (EPC) gathered in the United Kingdom for a new summit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, along with representatives from NATO and the Council of Europe, participated in this event. The summit primarily focused on the situation in Ukraine. 🔹 **Creation of the EPC** 🔹 As a reminder, the EPC was created in October 2022 at the initiative of President Macron, with the aim of strengthening cohesion, cooperation, and dialogue among European countries. 🔹 **Structure of the Meeting** 🔹 This 4th meeting was structured into three parts: 1. An opening plenary session 2. Three roundtables dedicated to migration, energy and connectivity, and defense and democracy 3. A final plenary session 🤝 **Strengthening UK-EU Ties** 🤝 This meeting was also an opportunity for the United Kingdom to strengthen its ties with the EU and vice versa. Currently, the application of the agreements prevails, but future cooperation could develop. 📅 **Next Meeting in Hungary** 📅 The next EPC meeting will take place on November 7, 2024, in Hungary, the country currently holding the Council Presidency. #EPCCSummit #EuropeanPoliticalCommunity #Ukraine #VolodymyrZelensky #Macron #Cooperation #Europe #UnitedKingdom #Hungary

The geopolitical urgency created by Russia's invasion of Ukraine led to a significant shift in the Associated Trio EU accession. Ukraine and Moldova, previously seen as not ready for accession, were granted EU candidate status in 2022 and secured the opening of accession negotiations in 2023. The process was sped up due to the reform efforts of these countries and the EU's acknowledgment of the security imperative for their integration. Georgia lagged behind in 2022, but ultimately received the candidate status, [referencing the author], as a geopolitical signal to the overwhelmingly pro-European Georgian population. The dynamics of the accession process have changed, with the Eastern trio (Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia) progressing more rapidly than the Western Balkans. Nonetheless, the EU's approach to enlargement remains complex, with internal divisions and differing priorities affecting the process. The EU's credibility and commitment to enlargement are being tested, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical challenges and the need for internal reform within the EU itself. #EaP #EU #Ukraine #Georgia #Moldova

The 2023 Enlargement Package and Ukraine's Integration Journey 🇺🇦🇪🇺 Today, Eurocomission embraced the 2023 Enlargement Package, featuring that they are strongly advocate for the Council to initiate accession negotiations with Ukraine. 👏🏻 Ukrainians are wholeheartedly committed to reforming their nation, even amidst the challenges of full-scale Russian aggression. ✅ In the context of my own experience over the last four years working on the Committee on Integration Ukraine to EU, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the dedication and progress made by the Ukrainian people towards this goal. Their commitment to aligning with European standards and values is truly commendable. 🇪🇺 We all stand to gain. #EuropeanUnion #EUEnlargement

New #WeeklyOutlook is out👇 https://lnkd.in/dWpeC_3B This is shaping up to be a big week for planning the European Union’s next term. Ukraine and Moldova accession talks will begin on 25 June, and Montenegro’s accession conference will also take place on 26 June. The EUCO summit from 27-28 June will then focus on the integration of these new countries, in addition to discussions on who should take the next term’s top jobs.

EU leaders to meet for European Council Meeting From Thursday the 21st to Friday the 22nd, EU leaders will meet in Brussels for a European Council meeting. During this assembly, the heads of government from all 27 EU countries will discuss pressing issues such as the Wars in Ukraine and Israel, EU expansion and challenges in the agricultural sector. One of the key items on the agenda is a vote on whether the EU should open accession talks with Bosnia-Herzegovina. European leaders will debate the Western Balkan nation’s progress towards meeting key economic and social targets, and the implications of welcoming Bosnia into the bloc. Security and defence policy will also take centre stage during the summit. European Leaders are expected to debate the Commission’s proposed changes to the European Defence Industry Strategy and European Defence Industry Programme. This topic is anticipated to reveal fault lines between member states, as some are more willing than others to increase defence spending. #eu #europeancommission #europeanparliament #europe #europa #news #politics #meetings #meetingsandevents #europeanelections #legislationupdates #europeancouncil #bosniaandherzegovina #bosnia