Belgium’s ambassador to the EU, Willem van de Voorde, presented, on Wednesday 13 December, his country’s slogan for its Presidency of the EU Council: “protect, strengthen, prepare”.
At a conference organised by the EPC, the ambassador explained that the slogan meant protecting the values and principles of the EU, “the fabric of our societies”, improving what can be improved, doing better and preparing for the future, as the Presidency comes at the end of the terms of the European Parliament and the European Commission.
The Belgian Presidency will be divided into two phases, according to Mr van de Voorde. Up until the beginning of March, it will be negotiating with the European Parliament on the many texts still outstanding. Among the 150 texts, the ambassador cited the ‘Pact on Migration and Asylum’, the economic governance package and the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework. “Time is extremely short, every hour counts”, he warned.
From April, the Presidency will enter a more forward-looking phase, with the preparation of the strategic agenda. The aim is for it to be adopted by the European Council at the end of June.
Mr van de Voorde also highlighted the work on reforming the EU, in connection with its enlargement. “How can we chart this course? We need to bring clarity to a process that will take years”, explained the ambassador.
The Belgian Presidency of the EU Council is also highlighting six working themes. The first is defending the Rule of law, democracy and unity. The ambassador announced the organisation of a citizens’ panel on the future significance of artificial intelligence. He also wants to reach a general approach in the EU Council on the ‘defending democracy’ package presented on 12 December (see EUROPE 13312/15).
The Presidency also intends to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness. “We have to take care of our internal market”, explained Mr van de Voorde, stating that it was “probably the most important tool we have to develop our union”. Belgium also emphasised economic security.
The pursuit of the green and fair transition will be another focus of its work.
Similarly, the Presidency wants to strengthen the social and health agenda. A conference will be held in April in La Hulpe to relaunch the social pillar, and Belgium intends to continue working on the pharmaceutical package.
The protection of people and borders is another theme, in particular with the ‘Pact on Migration and Asylum’, the strengthening of the Schengen area and security and defence. “The European defence investment strategy and programme will be published early next year. It will be too late for a legislative agreement (between the institutions), but we need to make as much progress as possible”, explained the ambassador.
Finally, Belgium is promoting a global Europe, to defend values and strengthen partnerships.
The Belgian Presidency website: https://aeur.eu/f/a2e
To see the full programme: https://aeur.eu/f/a4i (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)