Belgium took over six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union on Jan.1, 2024
“Protect, Strengthen, Prepare”. This is the slogan with which Belgium will hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union for six months from January 1, 2024. It concisely and powerfully encapsulates the six key themes of this 13th mandate.
Protect: This term strongly resonates with the protection of citizens and borders, underscoring the presidency’s commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of Europeans. It also encompasses the defense of democratic values, the rule of law, and unity, including support for Ukraine, reflecting the first theme. It also suggests strengthening the social and health agenda.
Strengthen: This word echoes the enhancement of the EU’s competitiveness on the global stage. It emphasizes the importance of consolidating European unity and solidarity to face internal and external challenges. This includes a just and equitable transition, ensuring that sustainable development and environmental policies are approached with a forward-looking vision.
Prepare: Finally, ‘Prepare’ refers to the preparation for the upcoming expansions of the EU and the anticipation of future challenges. This term highlights the importance of anticipation and strategic planning in all areas of EU action. It also refers to the need for internal reform of the Union to preserve its future capacity for action.
In summary, the vision of the Belgian presidency is intended to be holistic, focusing on protecting people and the achievements of the EU, strengthening its economy, structures and capabilities, and proactively preparing future challenges. The presidency slogan and the six key themes it encompasses, symbolize a commitment to a safer, stronger, and more resilient Europe, capable of navigating the complex and rapidly changing landscape of global politics
