Belgium Aims to Champion Green Deal and LGBTQ+ Rights During EU Council Presidency
Belgium is gearing up to take on its 13th EU presidency starting in January 2023, succeeding Spain. As the final presidency before the EU elections in June 2024, Belgium has set ambitious goals of prioritizing the continuation of the European Green Deal and safeguarding LGBTQ+ rights. In an exclusive interview with Euractiv, Deputy Prime Minister Petra De Sutter emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum of the Green Deal and preventing a shift in its trajectory.
Belgium aims to advocate for the preservation of the Green Deal during its presidency. De Sutter stressed the need for the next Commission to stay aligned with the current Commission’s efforts and avoid straying in a completely different direction. Despite calls for a slowdown in the green transition to protect businesses, De Sutter firmly believes that slowing down would be a grave mistake. She argues that investing in the green transition now will prevent extensive damage control costs in the future if the ambitious goals are not met.
In drafting the European Council’s five-year strategic plan, Belgium plans to play an active role as a mediator between member states. By doing so, they hope to push for the alignment of the EU’s ambition for increased autonomy and its industrial policy with the principles of the Green Deal that the Commission initiated in 2019.
While championing the Green Deal, Belgium also recognizes the need for a social transition to accompany the green transition. De Sutter emphasizes that addressing social inequalities is crucial to ensure that the victims of climate change do not bear the brunt of its consequences. Robust social policies must be put in place to ensure that no one is left behind, as ecological policies cannot be discussed without considering social policies.
In addition to the Green Deal, Belgium is determined to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights across all policy areas during its presidency. Although these matters largely fall under national jurisdictions, Belgium believes it is essential to address LGBTQ+ rights in every policy decision. De Sutter expresses concern about the threats faced by LGBTQ+ rights in certain EU countries, such as Italy, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia. She urges vigilance against attempts to curtail these rights through covert measures and emphasizes the need to prevent any setbacks.
Preparing for the presidency has presented its own set of challenges for Belgium. Budgetary restraints have required some streamlining of activities, resulting in a more realistic program. While the number of informal and site meetings had to be reduced, Belgium remains confident in its ability to successfully fulfill its role as the upcoming EU presidency, drawing on its expertise and experience in such matters.
Belgium’s EU Council presidency represents an opportunity to drive forward the European Green Deal and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. With climate change and human rights being among the most pressing issues of our time, Belgium hopes to leave a positive impact during its tenure and ensure a sustainable and inclusive future within the EU.
