Commission
Defense of the public services and social services of general interest
The policy of the European Union poses certain problems for public services in general and social services of general interest (SSIG) in particular. The competition policy and the rules of the internal market make this sector, which is essential for citizens, a vulnerable one.
Belgian Presidency Working Visit to the President of the European Commission
The Prime Minister Yves Leterme, the Vice-Prime Ministers Steven Vanackere, Laurette Onkelinx, and Joëlle Milquet and the State Secretary for European Affairs Olivier Chastel took part in a working meeting with the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, as part of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
EU-Brazil Summit (Brasilia)
European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso will represent the EU at the fourth annual bilateral summit between the EU and Brazil.
Ministers for Education cooperate for progress!
Cooperation and exchange of good practice were the key words at the Seminar of the Ministers for Education. Two crucial themes were at the heart of the exchanges: the acquisition of basic skills and the early school leaving. With regard to European objectives, effective schooling followed by as many as possible is a shared priority, now more than ever.
Leterme and Barroso want to make progress
Under a bright blue sky and a burning sun, the Belgian government members involved in the Presidency and the European commissioners met for the traditional family photograph. The talks had clearly taken place in a good atmosphere.
Conference on "Lessons learned from the influenza pandemic A(H1N1)2009"
The conference on “Lessons learned from the influenza pandemic A(H1N1)2009” held on 1 and 2 July 2010 in Brussels, has generated a discussion with senior officials of European Union Member States and other invited countries, relevant international organizations such as the World Health Organization, European Agencies such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the European Medicine Agency. The conference was jointly organized by the Belgian Presidency and the European Commission.