EU2024BE : what role for our FPS?   

   

From 1 January to 30 June 2024, Belgium will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union

The Council of the EU brings together the governments of the 27 Member States. It plays a key role in the European decision-making process. In particular, it negotiates and adopts EU legislation with the European Parliament and coordinates Member States’ policies. Council meetings have various configurations, which are organised by policy area or sector. For example, relevant ministers discuss within the “Environment Council”, the “Employment, social policy, health and consumer affairs Council” or the “Agriculture and fisheries Council”. These configurations deal with specific issues of our FPS.   

Every six months, the Presidency of the Council rotates between Member States. From 1 January to 30 June 2024, it will be Belgium's turn to hold this rotating role.  

During its Presidency, Belgium's task will be to ensure continuity in the Council's work. It will be able to define the major priorities that will guide the European political agenda over the next six months.  

 

Promoting a European vision of the "One World, One Health" principle  

The Belgian Presidency also represents a key moment for our FPS, which intends to promote the "One World, One Health" principle, placing human, environmental, animal and plant health at the centre of European policy. This principle recognises the importance of achieving a balance between these various components to guarantee our long-term well-being.  

The "One World, One Health" approach influences the priorities of our Presidency. It will serve as a guide and compass for all issues dealt with by FPS Health within the various sectors of the Council work. 

The issues dealt with by our FPS are directly related to  :

During the 1st half of 2024, the FPS will organise many events aimed at highlighting its many priorities to European and international ministers, delegations and experts.  
For more information, the calendar of events can be consulted here.  

In May 2024, The Belgian Advisory Committee on Bioethics will organise the 33rd National Ethics Councils (NEC) Forum, in collaboration with the European Commission. 
More information can be found here. 

 

All information related to the Presidency is available on the Presidency website. This website is the official source and essential reference for all activities carried out by Belgium during its Presidency of the Council of the EU.