Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
“Protect, strengthen and prepare.” This is the slogan with which Belgium will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for a period of six months, starting from January 1, 2024. It briefly and powerfully summarizes the six main themes of this thirteenth term, which Belgium will assume from the beginning of the system of rotating presidency of member states, and in his speech via video on the Presidency website Belgian League of the Union Alexandre Decroux, Prime Minister of Belgium, explained the meaning of the slogan and the priorities of the action program and said
Protection: This term resonates strongly with the protection of citizens and borders, underscoring the presidency's commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of Europeans. It also includes defending democratic values, the rule of law and unity, including support for Ukraine, which reflects the first theme. It also suggests promoting the social and health agenda.
Strengthening or strengthening: This word reflects enhancing the competitiveness of the European Union on the global stage. It stresses the importance of strengthening European unity and solidarity to confront internal and external challenges. This includes a just and equitable transition, ensuring that sustainable development and environmental policies are addressed with a forward-looking vision.
Preparation: Finally, the term “preparation” refers to preparing for the upcoming enlargements of the European Union and anticipating future challenges. This term highlights the importance of anticipation and strategic planning in all areas of the EU's work. It also points to the need for internal reform of the Union to maintain its ability to function in the future.
In short, the Belgian presidency's vision aims to be inclusive, focusing on protecting people and the EU's achievements, strengthening its economy, structures and capacities, and proactively preparing for future challenges. The presidency's slogan and the six main themes it includes symbolize the commitment to a safer, stronger and more resilient Europe, able to navigate the complex and rapidly changing landscape of global politics.