Belgium currently holds
the presidency of the
Council of the European Union.[1][2][3][4] It is scheduled to hold a six-month term covering the first half of 2024.[1][2] The presidency is the second of three presidencies making up a presidency trio, which began with the
presidency of Spain, and is scheduled to be followed by
that of Hungary.[5][6] It is the 13th time Belgium has held the presidency.[1][7] The motto that was chosen for the presidency is "Protect, Strengthen, Prepare".[8][1]
Overview
The Belgian presidency plans to focus on six main areas of interest: (1) bolstering the union's work on society and its health, (2) following a proper green transition, (3) improving the union's
economic competitiveness, (4) protecting democracy and the
rule of law, (5) securing the union's people and its borders, and (6) strengthening the union's place in the world.[9][8]