Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
Belgium assumed the presidency of the European Union, which Spain assumed for the last six months of last year. Belgium will assume the rotating presidency of the Union during the first six months of this year. The institutions of the unified bloc in Brussels welcomed the beginning of the Belgian presidency and said that it will be an exciting six months. Belgian Prime Minister Alexandre Decroux said: Excited about the start of his country's presidential term, he added via the X website, "formerly Twitter", "Protection, strengthening, and preparedness is the slogan of the new presidency, and this is not a coincidence. "Our citizens need a European Union that is fit for purpose and looks to the future." Decroux thanked the Spanish government that assumed the previous presidency. Decroux said: Spain did a great job. Charles Michel, President of the Council of the Union, thanked the Spanish government and its work teams during its presidency of the Union and said, “It was an impressive thing what was achieved during the period of the rotating Spanish presidency.” Roberta Mizzola, President of the European Parliament, wrote in a post on X in this regard and alluded to the issues. It includes the Spanish presidency of the Union and the legislation that was approved during the recent period in several areas
As for Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, she wrote, on the occasion of the New Year, that the year...
2024 will be a decisive year. Let us fight together for a strong Europe in the world, supported by free and fair elections. For a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and stability in the Middle East. For a clean economy that works for people and planet.
The Belgian presidency program for the unified European bloc identified the main priorities and directions of the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union. Starting from January 1 to June 30, 2024.
Belgium holds the rotating presidency for the 13th time, at a time when the European Union is at a crossroads, dealing with the consequences of Russia's unlawful aggression against Ukraine, the pandemic, the energy crisis, disinformation, extreme weather events, and renewed conflict. Conflict in the Middle East.
The Belgian Presidency will work to provide better protection for European citizens, strengthen our cooperation, and prepare our common future. It will focus on six thematic areas, and will pay particular attention to maintaining our unwavering support for Ukraine. According to the website of the new Belgian EU Presidency.
With the end of the current institutional session, the Presidency will support a smooth transition to the next session. It will support the adoption of the Strategic Agenda 2024-2029 and the preparation of discussions on the future of the European Union.
“Protect, strengthen and prepare.” This is the slogan with which Belgium will assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union, and it briefly and powerfully summarizes the six main topics of this thirteenth term, which Belgium will assume from the beginning of the system of rotating presidency of member states. In his speech via video on the website of the rotating Belgian presidency of the Union, Alexandre Decroux, Prime Minister of Belgium, explained The meaning of the slogan and the priorities of the work program he 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: This word reflects the strengthening of the European Union's competitiveness 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.