On Friday 5 January, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, highlighted the talent of Belgian sprint cyclists to motivate the Belgian government, which has held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union since 1 January, to complete as many legislative dossiers as possible.
The Belgian Presidency is coming to the end of the European Parliament’s term of office, which will be renewed at the beginning of June.
“The Presidency comes at such an important time. This is the finishing line for many of the projects that have been launched, and I’m counting on the talents of Belgium’s sprinters to win the final sprint”, explained Ms von der Leyen alongside Prime Minister Alexander De Croo at the end of a meeting between members of the Belgian government and those of the European Commission.
“We have important dossiers to conclude, all of which must contribute to the objectives of protecting, strengthening and preparing”, the key words of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, she added.
More than a hundred issues have yet to be agreed, including the revision of the multiannual financial framework (see EUROPE 13322/3) and the Net Zero Emissions Industry Act (NZIA).
Looking beyond the current dossiers, Mr De Croo hoped that the EU would suffer less and act more. Citing the situation in Ukraine, the Middle East, waves of migration and rising energy prices, the Belgian Prime Minister explained that “we bear the majority of the consequences of what is happening in the world”. “What we need to do as European Union is to lead in the discussion, not only lead with words but also with actions. Trying to influence what happens in the world”, he explained.
The Belgian Presidency will also have to prepare the next European cycle. According to Mr De Croo, one of the priorities will be to implement the ‘Green Deal’ with the support of Europe’s population, industry and economy. He described as damaging the opposition that can be made between the ‘Green Deal’ and the ‘Industrial Pact’. “Now that we are entering the post-crisis phase, hopefully with the crises behind us, we need to enter a new phase of politics. How can we ensure that the Green Deal is bankable, that it is seen by our industries and our people as a source of benefit not only for the environment, but also for competitiveness and a better, cheaper, more comfortable life for our people?”, summed up Mr de Croo. Strengthening the EU’s competitiveness will therefore be a priority over the next six months.
Ms von der Leyen also announced a communication on climate targets for 2040 (see EUROPE 13322/5).
At an event in La Hulpe, the Belgian Presidency also intends to submit for signature an interinstitutional declaration on Social Europe, which, according to Ms von der Leyen, should give fresh impetus to the implementation of the European set of social rights.
The reform of the EU, prior to its enlargement, will also be at the heart of the discussions, notably on the basis of a roadmap for the review of policies. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)