01.01.2024 19:57
6 month presidency to provide particular attention to union’s unwavering support for Ukraine, says council.
Belgium on Monday assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.
"Belgium assumes the rotating presidency for the thirteenth time, at a moment when the European Union stands at a crossroads, dealing with the consequences of the Russian illegal aggression in Ukraine, the pandemic, the energy crisis, disinformation, extreme climate events, and a renewed conflict in the Middle East," said the council in a statement.
The Belgian presidency will work for better protection of European citizens and to strengthen cooperation between member states, it added.
It also stressed that the six-month presidency "will provide particular attention to maintaining our unwavering support to Ukraine."
After Belgium, Hungary will take over the rotating presidency on July 1 for the next six months. -