On Tuesday, Members of the European Parliament discussed the programme of the six-month Belgian Presidency of the European Council, which started on January 1st, with Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.

EP President Roberta Metsola said that Parliament is ready to deliver on citizens’ expectations ahead of the 6-9 June European elections, to make Europe fairer, more competitive and fit for the digital age.

Press conference on the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union. Photographer: Alain ROLLAND Copyright: © European Union 2024 – Source : EP

Prime Minister De Croo urged MEPs to maintain solidarity with Ukraine and continued military support, highlighting the existential nature of the cause for Europeans.

On migration, Prime Minister de Croo said that upholding a more coordinated and integrated foreign policy approach is part of the solution. To that end, he called for broad partnerships with third countries to help them become more stable.

The Belgian Prime Minister also said that the EU has to do everything it can to put an end to the suffering in Israel and Palestine. He called for more safe and open humanitarian corridors to be opened in Gaza.

The EU must support Israel in freeing their hostages and must help the country in its legitimate battle against the terrorist organisation of Hamas.

An Antwerp city councillor since 2000, he was first elected to the European Parliament in 2014.

Read also: Belgian EU Council Presidency is opening Pandora’s Box.

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Main image: Photographer Eric VIDAL Copyright © European Union 2024 – Source : EP