Belgium holds the Presidency of the Council until June 2024 included.

Economic and Monetary Affairs

Protecting taxpayers and their purchasing power while restoring citizens’ trust in financial institutions would be the overarching priority, Finance Minister Vincent Van Peteghem told MEPs on 22 January. He said the economic governance review, deepening the capital markets union, reaching a general approach on the bank deposit guarantee, and securing long-term financial support to Ukraine would be the concrete priorities.

MEPs themselves stressed the need for progress on the capital markets union, support for Ukraine, and updating the economic governance system. Some singled out the need to make progress on fighting tax avoidance and working to push the US to agree to the latest international tax standards.

Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

On 23 January, Justice Minister Paul van Tigchelt wants to make progress on priorities such as the fight against organised crime,…