Belgium Takes over Presidency of EU Council

Belgium, the host country of European Union institutions and NATO, officially takes over the rotating presidency of the European Union from Spain on Monday.

Belgium's presidency will continue until the end of June, after which it will be handed over to Budapest.

Belgium's Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, emphasized the significance of Brussels hosting the presidency, stating, "As you know, the EU is part of our Belgian DNA.

European institutions are centered here in our capital. If there is a country that embodies the essence of the European Union, it is Belgium."

The country's authorities underscore that Brussels assumes the presidency at a pivotal moment amidst conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, in addition to global challenges like climate change and migration.

Starting from December 1, 2024, Croatia joins the Eurozone, and the borders of the Schengen Area expand. Croatia, with a population of 3.9 million, is a member of NATO. On this occasion, the Presidency of the European Council congratulated the small Balkan nation on its accession.

Bulgaria and Romania have also received approval to join the Schengen Area with open borders, starting from March 2024, as announced by the Spanish presidency of the European Union late on the Saturday before last.

The EU stated that restrictions on air and sea borders between the two member states and other Schengen members would be lifted in March 2024, while a decision on lifting land border restrictions would be made later.

The Schengen Area largely eliminates border checks between its members, allowing people to travel, work, and live in another member state without needing visas or permits.