nl flag go to the original language article
This article has been translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The news agency is not responsible for the content of the translated article. The original was published by Belga.

Belgian EU presidency comes to an end

by AI | 29.Jun 2024 | Europe in brief AI

Belgium will no longer chair the Council of the European Union from July 1. During the six months that the country led the meetings of the ministers of the member states, many dozens of agreements were concluded.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo kicked off the Belgian EU presidency in January in the company of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. - Photo: Belga

Brussels – The European summit that took place in Brussels on Thursday and ended with an agreement on the distribution of top jobs, also marked the end of the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union. The country had been temporarily chairing the institution in which EU member states meet since January 1 but is now handing over the baton to Hungary.

As Council President, Belgium had to align member states as much as possible on numerous dossiers. This included negotiations between the member states themselves, as well as negotiations with the European Parliament. Especially since the Belgian presidency coincided with the end of the 2019-2024 legislature, Belgium was counted on in European circles to finalize as many dossiers as possible.

In six months, the Council, under Belgium’s leadership, concluded 69 political agreements with the European Parliament. 89 legislative dossiers were formally approved by the Council. In some cases, such as the migration and asylum pact, these were texts where political agreements had already been reached during previous presidencies. Think of the nature restoration law.

Within the Council itself, 57 internal agreements have been concluded since January 1, which serve as a mandate for later negotiations with the European Parliament. For example, there was an agreement on Wednesday to improve the welfare of dogs and cats.