Vanackere wants to build a bridge between the EU and citizens
For four more months still, Belgium will play host to high-level European and international gatherings. According to Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Steven Vanackere, this is a truly exceptional opportunity to bring the Union closer to citizens. “All Belgians stand to benefit from our European involvement and there is every reason to give that special emphasis.”
Among the many meetings you had while preparing for the Presidency, which had the most impact on you and what did you take away from it?
Vanackere: Preparing our Presidency of the Council of the European Union necessarily began with meetings with the Commission and the European Parliament. Together with the Council, these two institutions are the pillars of the European entity. During these meetings I was always struck by the great hope for the Belgian Presidency. Europe is facing major challenges: the economic and financial situation is difficult and the implementation of the new Lisbon Treaty calls for internal reorganisation. However, I felt a great deal of confidence. The European Commissioners know that Belgium will use the potential of the “institutional engine” provided by the Commission to the utmost. European parliamentarians are very appreciative of the fact that Belgium takes into account the institutional strengthening of the Parliament under the new treaty. We are very aware of the parliamentarians’ wish to play to the fullest their crucial role as partners in the EU decision-making process.
How far along are the preparations for the informal meeting of the 27 European Foreign Affairs Ministers next September 10th and 11th (the “Gymnich”)? What points will be covered and what importance holds this type of meeting?
The “Gymnich” will enable the Ministers of Foreign Affairs to discuss topics informally. Discussions will be more open as there are no decisions to be made. We are currently preparing the agenda under the leadership of Catherine Ashton, who will chair this “Gymnich”. I am delighted to welcome my European counterparts in the Egmont Palace in Brussels. We will certainly talk about the relations between the European Union and Pakistan, not just from the standpoint of the current humanitarian crisis. We will also explore how we can develop our relationship with this country which plays a very important strategic role in Asia. The humanitarian drama in Pakistan is continuing and requires that we make a long-term effort – reconstruction will continue for years to come.
Relations between the EU and its strategic partners will be a central theme and part of the preparation for the European Council of 16th September which will take a look at the same topic. The traditional meeting with the four countries currently negotiating EU membership (Turkey, FYROM, Croatia, and Iceland) will also be an important moment during our meeting at the Egmont Palace.
What are the next major steps in preparing for the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) which will be held on 4th and 5th October 2010? What are the greatest challenges for making the meeting a success?
This summit brings together the Heads of State and Government from 47 countries. This is a quarter of the countries on the planet, representing over half the world's population. We provide a pleasant and prestigious environment for our important guests. King Albert II has expressed his willingness to place the Royal Palace in Brussels at our disposal. The international press will occupy the brand-new Square Congress Centre, where twenty-one press briefings can be organised simultaneously. Delegation members will be accommodated at the Palace of Academies.
The ASEM agenda has not been fixed yet. Under the supervision of Herman Van Rompuy, who will also chair the summit, Belgian diplomats are pulling out all the stops on the preparatory work for the meeting. The global theme for the summit is “greater welfare and dignity for all people” or “quality of life” in short. Global economic governance will undoubtedly be one of the crucial themes in the discussions among Heads of State and Government.
The official website of the Belgian Presidency has been on line for over two months now. Has it come to your notice in any way that in addition to diplomats and journalists the general public has found its way to the site?
Yes, we do see this presidency as a golden opportunity to bring Europe closer to its citizens. Frequently when people talk to us about the presidency, they refer to specific articles on the website. One of the contributing factors undoubtedly is the wide range of topics featured on the site. There is something for everyone: current events, background information about countries, reports, etc.
And you yourself? When you visit the site, which section do you look at first?
I always check the news section, to keep abreast of events.
Is there anything else you would you like to tell our readers?
On the face of it, Europe often seems complex and bureaucratic. Likewise, some people claim that the EU does not communicate well, and we have to admit there is some truth in this criticism: European jargon often hampers communication and makes it more difficult for people to understand the EU. In our capacity as national politicians, we should search our own hearts and we should definitely all make a greater effort to explain the EU to citizens in a way people can understand. If we were to devote some more attention to this, our citizens would soon discover how far-reaching the influence of the EU is on everyday lives. Every single Belgian citizen will be able to reap the benefits of our European commitment. I cannot think of a reason to hide this from the people. We should use every opportunity to make them aware of it.
