The implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum is an absolute priority for the Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU, which starts on January 1, the Prime Minister of Belgium stressed, Alexander De Croix in an interview with the Belgian newspapers “Le Soir” and “De Standaard”.

“This issue can only be properly addressed if European countries work together,” he said. Also, among the priorities of the Belgian presidency, as he said, is the reconciliation of climate and economy “because too often we create a contrast between ecology and industry. It’s wrong”.

In relation to EU enlargement, the Belgian Prime Minister noted that “first, we have to get better before we get bigger. We need to do better before we expand. The fact is that the EU will be enlarged. If we want to continue to have prosperity and security, we must first do our own work.”

“The European level is a level of power where, for every important file, there is some doubt at the beginning. But I have seen in the last three years we have always managed to take steps forward. So I’m confident. Look at the Summit in mid-December: there was a whole debate about whether (the Hungarian Prime Minister leaving the room) was to go to the toilet or not. This is not the main issue. The important thing is that Viktor Orbán decided not to use the right of veto. He says: I have a different opinion, but I am not going to obstruct the decision. It is quite innovative. And it is a very clear message to the Ukrainians and also to Moscow,” he said.

At the same time, he underlined that the Belgian presidency and the 27 leaders of the EU member states will work so that there is an agreement at the extraordinary Summit on February 1st for the aid of 50 billion to Ukraine. He emphasized that the support to Kiev should continue for as long as necessary, pointing out that apart from the financial part, there is the possibility of continuing the supply of weapons and ammunition.

“The debate on February 1 will be important. This will probably be a moment when Russia will try to test us,” added the Belgian Prime Minister, underlining: “Let’s not underestimate how many foreign powers don’t like our democracy and they don’t like our unity.”

Asked about the Hungarian presidency of the EU in the second half of 2024, Alexander De Croo replied that “everyone has a right to their presidency. Some said the Hungarian presidency should be cancelled. That would be dumb! This is the very essence of Europe: we manage the fact that different views coexist. And, yes, Viktor Orbán will have his presidency. Some also tend to think that having the “chairmanship” means that you decide everything, all by yourself. Instead ! This presidency requires you to be the focal point and consensus builder. This will be an interesting experience for Victor! He is rarely in this position.” Regarding Viktor Orbán’s abstention from the decision to start accession negotiations for Ukraine, the Prime Minister of Belgium noted that “the issue is how to ensure that decisions are not blocked, while taking into account the views of others. This is how democracy works.” Finally, when asked if he is in favor of another term for Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Alexander De Croo noted: “I don’t know who will be a candidate for what. But if we evaluate the past, I think she was a very good president. Like Charles Michel he was a good president of the European Council. I think some of the criticism against him is unjustified.”