The Belgian Presidency of the EU: towards a stronger, more effective Europe at the service of its citizens
On 9 February 2023, INCIPE held the virtual event entitled The Belgian Presidency of the EU, with the participation of Geert Cockx, Ambassador of Belgium in Spain. The meeting was presented by the ambassador and secretary general of INCIPE, Manuel Alabart. The presentation was followed by a round of questions moderated by Vicente Garrido, Director of INCIPE.
Geert Cockx began his speech by clarifying the role of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which consists of acting as an impartial intermediary to push forward the work of the Council, seeking consensus, and representing all the Member States institutionally. He also stressed the need for flexibility by each Presidency to adapt to events and crises that may arise during its term.
In the specific context of the Belgian Presidency, Ambassador Cockx highlighted the close coordination between Belgium and Spain, pointing out the achievements made during the Spanish Presidency and the continuity in the progress of several dossiers under the Belgian Presidency. He mentioned the closure of numerous dossiers and significant progress in areas such as the reform of the electricity market, the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the regulation of digital platforms and the Artificial Intelligence Act.
Cockx went on to point out that the Belgian Presidency’s motto, Protect, Strengthen, Prepare, reflects the multiple crises Europe is currently facing, with wars and economic, social and climate challenges. Furthermore, he stressed that today’s world is characterised by instability, strategic competition, and security threats; therefore, there is an urgent need to strengthen European security and defence through enhanced cooperation to strengthen investment, capacity building and the construction of an integrated market.
Ambassador Cockx then emphasised the six main clusters of priorities identified in the Belgian Presidency’s work programme, which include upholding the rule of law and democracy, strengthening industrial competitiveness, green and just transition, boosting the health and social agenda, protecting citizens and borders, and promoting a global Europe.
In terms of short-term challenges, the ambassador mentioned the need to finalise and implement the European Green Deal, accelerate the energy transition, and address regional crises such as the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East. He also stressed the importance of maintaining internal cohesion within the EU and strengthening its role in the international arena.
Regarding the future agenda, Ambassador Cockx announced the adoption before the summer of a strategic agenda for the years 2024-2029, which will set out the Union’s priorities and working methods for the coming years. He also underlined Belgium’s commitment to support the EU enlargement process, stressing the importance of a stronger and more cohesive Europe in a changing world.
In the last block of the session a debate took place, in which participants asked questions on topics such as the perception of the European Union towards the South; relations between the Union and Latin America; as well as the influence of the elections to the European Parliament on the development of the Belgian Presidency.
The enlargement of the EU and the accession of Ukraine, the control of funds granted to Ukraine, and the internal market and economic competition were also discussed. In addition, security and defence in the Union, the fight against organised crime and terrorism, the rule of law within the EU and, finally, the Union’s social agenda were discussed.
Elena Ferro
INCIPE
