By Martha Moss - 3rd September 2010
We cannot afford to waste time because the European Union faces many challenges
Steven Vanackere
Belgium will use the remaining months of its EU council presidency to strengthen cooperation between the European institutions, according to the country's deputy prime minister Steven Vanackere.
Vanackere, who is also Belgium's foreign minister, was speaking at the Parliament Magazine's Belgian presidency reception, held in Brussels on 1 September.
He told the packed event that Europe would only be able to tackle key challenges - such as unemployment, economic stability and climate change - if the presidency worked closely with the parliament, council, commission and member states.
Progress had been made on financial supervision and the setting up of the European external action service since Belgium took over the presidency in July, said the minister.
He added that the country would focus on issues including economic governance, the 2011 budget, the European citizens' initiative and the run-up to the crunch climate change summit in Cancún until Hungary takes the helm at the end of the year.
"We cannot afford to waste time because the European Union faces many challenges," Vanackere said.
"The current economic crisis has caused a considerable increase in unemployment, doubts have arisen about our capacity to guarantee financial stability, economic growth and ensure budgetary discipline.
"At the same time, measures have to be taken to protect our citizens, combat climate change and safeguard our strategic role on the world stage.
"All of this will take place against the backdrop of the new Lisbon treaty which provides us with new tools and working methods. It is up to us to use them wisely."
Vanackere stressed the importance of cooperation within Brussels and between member states, calling on all actors to work together to make progress "on the path towards more European integration".
The rotating presidency, member states, European institutions and the new institutional actors established by the treaty were "equally important" in this, he said.
And he highlighted the "crucial" role of the European parliament in working towards "a stronger, more coherent, transparent and accessible Europe focused on the well-being of its citizens".
Vanackere ended on a jovial note, with guests keen to get a taste of the selection of Belgian beers, traditional food and fine chocolates on offer.
"Belgium will do its utmost to strengthen the cooperation between all of these parties, through intensive dialogue and exchange of ideas," he said.
"And how could we better put such good intentions into practice than by doing this with a glass of Belgian beer in our hand like we will tonight?"
