On January 1, 2024, Belgium assumed the presidency of the European Council from Spain. Among the country's priorities for the next six months is the support for Ukraine.
This rotation of the presidency within the European Council occurs every six months. Belgium's presidency will last from January to June 2024, after which it will be handed over to Hungary.
One of Belgium's presidency priorities is to continue European support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.
"The Belgian presidency will work to better protect European citizens, strengthen our cooperation, and prepare for our joint future. It will focus on six thematic areas and pay special attention to continuing our unwavering support for Ukraine," as stated in the country's EU presidency program.
The program also notes that the modern world is experiencing the most dangerous period of the past decade, with the multilateral system and international rule-based order facing increasing pressure due to geopolitical confrontation and transnational security threats, including the return of open war to the European continent.
Therefore, Belgium's presidency will contribute to the EU's efforts to strengthen resilience and strategic autonomy and protect the interests of the European Union, including maintaining peace and security, strengthening the EU's position as a global international actor, and defending human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
"The main focus of the presidency will be on providing unwavering political, economic, military, humanitarian, and legal support for Ukraine," the document states.
In the field of security and defense, Belgium's presidency will continue the practical implementation of the EU's Strategic Compass and further enhance the EU's resilience to hybrid threats.
To achieve these goals, the Belgian government will focus on strengthening the technological and industrial base of the EU to ensure security in the supply of military capabilities.
One of the main tasks of Belgium's presidency in the EU is identified as conducting a broad discussion at the level of Euro-institutions and member countries regarding the future EU policies in the areas of foreign affairs, development, trade, security, and defense, within the framework of developing the EU's Strategic Agenda after 2024.
