Incoming Belgian Council Presidency has reinforcing R&I in society and knowledge valorisation among its priorities

Belgium will hold the rotating EU Council Presidency for the first half of 2024, following on the current Spanish Council Presidency. The incoming Belgian Presidency has presented its programme 'Protect, Strengthen, Prepare', in which it announces the following six general priorities:

1. Defending rule of law, democracy, and unity
2. Strengthening our competitiveness
3. Pursuing a green and just transition
4. Reinforcing our social and health agenda
5. Protecting people and borders
6. Promoting a global Europe.

The full Presidency programme and an overview of the Presidency events are already available on the Belgian Presidency's official website: www.belgium24.eu.

In the field of research and innovation, the incoming Belgian Presidency has indicated the following three priorities:

1. Open strategic autonomy,
2. Valorisation of research results,
3. Reinforcing R&I in society.

Another focus will be on nuclear research and innovation. Amongst others, the Belgian Presidency is planning two sets of Council Conclusions, one on knowledge valorisation and one one the ex-post evaluation of Horizon 2020, as well as a Council Recommendation on knowledge security. The informal meeting of Competitiveness Ministers is scheduled for 14-15 February 2023 at La Hulpe in Belgium, the formal Competitiveness Council for 23 May 2023 in Brussels.

For more information:

Belgian Council Presidency website

Belgian Council Presidency programme (research & innovation p 36-37)