‘Unusual’ Belgian EU presidency charms research world with its popular priorities

Improvements to Horizon Europe and mobility on agenda despite looming and potentially disruptive elections

The research and higher education sector has welcomed Belgium’s priorities for its six-month stint at chairing the EU work of the bloc’s governments, although some fear disruption due to major elections in the summer.

Belgium began its presidency of the Council of the EU member state governments on 1 January. Presidencies are expected to drive progress on legislation and policymaking and they can also set priorities, albeit working in groups of three with the European Commission.