It is Belgium's turn to take over the leadership of the Council of the European Union, from 1 January to 30 June 2024. Its ambition for the upcoming six months is to play a central role on the international stage.
Several events are being organised to kick off the country's 13th presidency, starting right at midnight on 1 January as Brussels' traditional New Year's fireworks show will symbolically display the European colours.
Then on Friday 5 January, the Chancellery of the Prime Minister will organise a number of ceremonies in the capital of Europe.
Visit of the College of Euro Commissioners
On Friday, the College of Commissioners of the European Commission will first visit the Belgian Presidency, represented by Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, the Foreign and European Affairs Minister Hadja Lahbib and government members of the Federal Government and Regions involved in the Presidency.
This meeting will start at 10:00 in the atrium of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, where Belgian singer Gustaph – who defended the country at the Eurovision Song Contest last May – will set Belgium's "diversity and openness" to music.
After a traditional group photo, guests are expected at the Egmont Palace for roundtable discussions, a working lunch and a bilateral meeting led by the Ministries for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.
Unveiling the Presidency logo
At 11:00, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and De Croo will unveil the Belgian presidency logo on the Mont des Arts, where it will be placed above the garden and opposite the iconic panorama of the city centre.
For six months, the logo will symbolise the Presidency at this photogenic spot in Brussels. During this period, the logo will also be displayed in other places, including Brussels Airport.
Foreign Affairs Minister Hadja Lahbib and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. Credit: Belga/Hatim Kaghat
On Friday evening, the opening event of the Belgian Presidency will start at 20:30 at Bozar. In the prestigious Hall Henry Le Bœuf, guests will attend a musical performance conducted by well-known Belgian composer Jef Neve, in the presence of Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, among others.
The evening will include an original composition by Neve that pays tribute to some great and internationally renowned Belgian artists, as well as performances by guests of honour such as violinist Lorenzo Gatto and singers Selah Sue and Charlotte Adigéry.
An orchestra of Belgian musicians from all regions will accompany the evening, which will end with a reception. The performance can be followed live on the Presidency's YouTube channel, and afterwards on national public television broadcasters.
Organised in collaboration with the communities and regions, the event aims to highlight Belgium's openness to innovation, cooperation and diversity.
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Six European months
With this reception, the Belgian Presidency of the EU will kick off six months of intense work: as president of the Council, Belgium will set the European agenda and promote cooperation among Member States to strengthen the European Union and make progress in various fields, be it climate, economy or social affairs.
The last time Belgium fulfilled this role was in the second half of 2010.
During this year's Presidency, several summits and conferences will be organised, where important decisions on the future of the EU will be made. To this end, Belgium will work closely with the other Member States and the EU's institutions.
For this occasion, an electric, articulated STIB bus will be decked out entirely in the colours of the Belgian Presidency. The bus, co-financed with European funds, will run on line 64 between Haren and the Porte de Namur during the six months of the Presidency.
