On January 1, 2024, Belgium assumed the Presidency of the European Council from Spain. One of the country’s priorities for the next six months is to support Ukraine.
The rotation of the Presidency within the European Council takes place every six months. Belgium’s presidential term will last from January to June 2024, after which it will be taken over by Hungary.
One of the priorities of the Belgian presidency will be to continue European support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
“The Belgian Presidency strives to strengthen the protection of European citizens, strengthen cooperation and prepare for a common future. Focusing on six thematic areas, it pays particular attention to continuing its unwavering support to Ukraine. I will pay.” As stated in this country’s EU Presidency Program.
The program also noted that the modern world is experiencing one of the most dangerous times in the past decade, and that the multilateral system and rules-based international order are facing challenges such as geopolitical conflicts and borders, including a return to war against European countries. It points out that the country is facing increasing pressure from beyond-reaching security threats. Continent.
The Belgian Presidency therefore strengthens resilience and strategic autonomy and supports the EU’s interests, such as maintaining peace and security, strengthening the EU’s position as a global international actor, and defending human rights, democracy and states. This will contribute to the EU’s efforts to protect the rule of law.
“The main focus of the presidency will be to provide unwavering political, economic, military, humanitarian and legal support to Ukraine.” says the document.
In the area of security and defense, Belgium will continue the practical implementation of the EU’s strategic compass under its Presidency and further strengthen the EU’s resilience against hybrid threats.
To achieve these goals, the Belgian government will focus on strengthening the EU’s technological and industrial base to ensure security in the supply of military forces.
One of the main tasks of the Belgian EU Presidency is to hold a wide-ranging discussion at the level of the euro institutions and member states regarding future EU policy in the fields of foreign affairs, development, trade, security and defence. Identified. A framework for developing the EU’s strategic agenda for 2024 and beyond.