BEYOND CHOCOLATES AND WAFFLES: BELGIUM'S EU PRESIDENCY IN 2024

As 2024 began Belgium assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union from Spain.

- Ravi Srivastava

The Trio

Since the advent of the EU on 1st November 1993 it will be the 13th time that Belgium has assumed this key responsibility. The EU charter lays down a unique rotational presidency format clubbing three nations called 'trio' together for a presidency term for six months each. The current trio includes Spain, Belgium and Hungary, Belgium's presidency shall continue till the end of June 2024 when it will hand over the mantle to Hungary. As the Presidency moves to Brussels, it will also be entrusted with conducting the EU's most anticipated parliamentary elections, which will further elect its next President.

Belgium has more of a neutralist approach on matters critical to the EU and this will remain a matter of deep concern to powerful European capitals when it is expected to shape the agenda for the EU at international forums. The importance of holding the Presidency of multination grouping has generally been ceremonial in many cases but not with the EU for two reasons; firstly, the grouping is considered the World's most valuable, if not most powerful regional organisation, and secondly, the very challenging period entire Europe is going through in its modern history. These home truths will add a different perspective to Belgium's governing responsibilities, which has been better known for its chocolates and waffles.

Intricate Quandary

The EU was established after the end of the Cold War and the disintegration of the Soviet Union as a grouping for larger European integration. Over the years it has indeed become one of the most prominent global bodies with 27 member states having a cumulative GDP of $19.35 Trillion and having one-sixth share of world trade. Indeed, it has been the success of the EU that became the major motivational factor for other similar regional bodies like the African Union and the Eurasian Economic Union.