Belgium is set to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the second semester of 2010.

As a federal state made up of Communities and Regions, Belgium stands as an original institutional system at the heart of the EU. The Belgian Regions and Communities have considerable decision-making and implementing powers in all areas that come under their authority, including at international level.

As such, the federated entities will be serving on the Council on behalf of Belgium. In doing so, they will be assuming an active role in devising and implementing European public policies. They are also set to play a leading role in “Europe 2020”, the European Union’s economic, social and environmental strategy for the years ahead.

In the Belgian presidency

During the Belgian presidency, the Wallonia and the French-speaking Community Wallonia-Brussels will be drawing particular attention to important issues such as the future of the structural funds, territorial cooperation, devising a sustainable industrial policy, innovation in technology as well as non-technology sectors, excellence in research, agriculture and the sustainable management of water, the preservation of natural resources, the environmentally friendly management of transport, employment and vocational training, compulsory education, support for the cultural and creative industries , the promotion of European cinema, child and youth policy and the fight against poverty.

In addition to the meetings of the European ministers and experts, the presidency’s key topics will also be developed through a packed programme of themed conferences and colloquia with the aim of promoting the exchange of views and furthering reflection on these challenges facing the European Union.

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