Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo (Flemish liberal) has unveiled his ambitious plans at the start of the Belgian presidency of the European Union. For the first six months of the year Belgium is in the EU driving seat.
Foreign News
Migrant pact, green economy and Ukraine: priorities for Belgium’s EU presidency
Colin Clapson
Published:
Finalising the EU’s migration pact, making great strides towards a greener EU economy and reaching agreement on a new EU support package for candidate Ukraine are clear priorities now Belgium will chair the EU council, the individual gatherings of EU ministers.
“The bar has been set high, but we are used to a lot being expected of Belgium in European matters” Mr De Croo said. For him prosperity and jobs are clearly linked to the key goals.
The EU’s ambitious climate targets are well known. During the recent COP28 climate conference in Dubai the Belgian leader reiterated that ecology and industry go hand in hand: “If our SMEs and businesses succeed in introducing these green technologies it will be a win for the climate but will also yield jobs and prosperity".
Finding agreement on a fresh support package for Ukraine, an EU candidate that has been the victim of Russian aggression, is also a prime objective: “We hope to find sufficient reasonability around the negotiating table to arrive at an agreement that allows the people of Ukraine not to lose ground” Mr De Croo told his audience.
Agreement on a new migration pact has been reached with the European parliament, but much of the subsidiary legislation still needs to be finalised and approved. Here the Flemish politician sees a job for Belgium: “We need to implement this agreement and secure the necessary means”.
Mr De Croo has a lot on his plate and it is clear Belgium’s EU presidency will struggle to obtain his undivided attention. Belgium like so many nations across the globe goes to the polls this year. European, Belgian federal and regional elections are held on 9 June as Belgium’s six month presidency draws to a close. Mr De Croo may be hoping success on the European stage can boost the showing of his Flemish liberal party, the Open VLD, that is currently languishing in the polls.
After 9 June the Belgian leader will be heading a caretaker administration with limited possibilities to act, but Mr De Croo is adamant progress will be made during the first five months of the year: “The race is often won in the sprint and Belgians have a sound reputation as good sprinters” the federal PM concluded.