A Europe in which one can be whoever he wants, love whoever he wants, live wherever he wants is about values ​​that are at stake in the European elections in June and for which citizens must fight emphasized the Prime Minister of Belgium, which has the rotating presidency of the Council, speaking at the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

“Today we see women’s rights under pressure, we see the rights of minorities and LGBTQI people restricted, we see the return of fascist symbols to our streets and the rise of anti-Semitic violence. The battle against our demons never ends. It remains our most important asset, for all of us,” said Alexander De Croo.

He added that many young Europeans from every corner of the continent “are committed to a free Europe, a Europe where you can live wherever you want, a Europe where you can love whoever you want, a Europe where you can be whoever you want. These values ​​are what are at stake in the European elections in June. It’s a reason why we have to fight.”

He noted that “2024 will be a critical year. Much is at stake for Europe and the West. This is a year in which our democracies and our freedoms will be tested. Not only with the European elections, but equally with the American congress, equally with the elections for the American presidency. If 2024 brings us ‘America first again’, more than ever Europe will be alone.”

“We need to put Europe on firmer ground, stronger, more sovereign, more self-reliant, a Europe that gets results and makes a difference in the lives of citizens,” the Belgian Prime Minister underlined.

Regarding immigration, he pointed out that it is a complex issue “which cannot be resolved overnight. What Europe can do is manage immigration, control immigration and make it more humane for everyone involved.”

“We need to have broad partnerships with third countries, we need to work with these countries in trade, energy, education and talent development. Europe needs to make the countries in our neighboring regions more stable,” he added.

Regarding the climate crisis, Alexander De Croo noted that Europe should focus on reducing gas emissions, supporting companies that use green technologies, becoming more technologically neutral in policies, while he spoke of green investments accessible to all .

Finally, in relation to enlargement, he said that the aim of the Belgian presidency is to create a road map.