Farmers need to be “on board” in the EU’s green transition, Belgium’s foreign minister has told the European Committee of the Regions.
The Belgian Foreign Minister said in a debate with European Commission members of the Council of the European Union that the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union will protect the foundations of democracy, strengthen the EU’s economic competitiveness and the single market, and support “the necessary “transition to a safe environment.” Regions on January 31st.
Haja Rahbib, The Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Federal Cultural Institute stressed the need for a green transition to “truly include everyone”. The Belgian president “will strengthen food sovereignty,” she said, “and that starts with respecting our farmers.”
Belgium, like much of Europe, faces ongoing protests by farmers over rising costs, low prices, regulations and the impact of the war in Ukraine. Foreign Minister Ravib said the European Commission’s January 31 decision to extend the free trade agreement with Ukraine was “already a step” and added: “The president clearly intends to work on all proposals submitted by the Agriculture Committee. I’m ready,” he added. ”.
A number of CoR members from Spain, Hungary and Belgium expressed the growing frustration of farmers in the debate, which focused on social challenges including immigration, youth participation and housing, among other issues.
Apostolos Tsitsikostas (EL/EPP), First Vice-President of the CoR and Governor of Central Macedonia, stressed that the EU is at a decisive moment. He said: “A new European institutional cycle begins in 2024 and we, local governments, are ready to make our voices heard and help define the future of the EU.” In March, cities, we will present our priorities to the Belgian President and ensure that our concerns are at the heart of EU decision-making at key points. ”
The European Regional and Cities Summit, to be held in Mons on March 18-19, will be co-hosted by the European Commission of Regions and Belgium’s Wallonia region.
The Belgian Presidency specifically asked the CoR to submit legislative recommendations on urbanism, the circular economy, the implementation of the European Youth Work Policy and tackling the teacher shortage.
“As Belgians, we probably know better than any other country the importance of involving regional and local levels in various political processes,” said Foreign Minister Ravib.
Background information:
- The debate can be viewed on the following website: CoR website.
- In the coming days, the European Committee of the Regions will publish a commissioned study on “Geography of Rural Areas and Discontent”. This study investigates the relationship between the ‘development trap’ and Euroscepticism in the European region.
- Tenth European Regional and Cities Summit; The conference, to be held in Mons, Belgium, on March 18-19, will bring together thousands of mayors, parliamentarians and local ministers from across the EU and Ukraine.European Regional Committee celebrates 30th anniversaryth This year’s anniversary and the Wallonia region are co-hosting the event, with Belgium playing an important role as the European Union’s Presidency. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo will speak on behalf of the Belgian President, along with high representatives of the European Parliament, the European Commission, the United Nations and other international organizations. Themes include the climate crisis, investment and solidarity, public services, digital innovation, youth-friendly cities, gender equality, and Ukraine’s decentralized recovery.
- During the Belgian Presidency, the CoR will present political recommendations from a local and regional perspective at various informal Council meetings and major high-level Presidency events.Find the President’s Calendar here.
- A number of CoR members have chaired meetings of the Council of the European Union during their Belgian presidential terms. Elio Di Lupo (PES), Minister and President of the Walloon Region, will lead the General Council on Cohesion Policy. Rudy Vervoort Minister and President of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region (PES) chairs the Council on Urban Development; Willy Bolsas (Renew Europe) Used for conferences on territorial planning, research and innovation, and space issues. Mr. Borsus is Vice-President of the Wallonia Region and Regional Minister for Economy, Foreign Trade, Research and Innovation, Digital, Regional Planning and Agriculture, IFAPME and Skills Centers.
contact:
Hélène Dressen
Phone number: +32 471 50 27 95
Helene.dressen@cor.europa.eu
andrew gardner
Phone number: +32 473 843 981
Andrew.gardner@cor.europa.eu