Presidential trio of the European Council from July: responsibility to ensure a safe environment for EU farmers

Hungary, Spain and Belgium will give the presidential trio of the European Council from July, and it is their responsibility to ensure a reliable, safe environment for EU farmers, and to provide solutions to the sector’s problems in the 18 months hence, Agriculture Minister István Nagy said on Monday in Madrid, after meeting his Spanish and Belgian counterparts.

In a system laid down in the Lisbon Treaty in 2009, member states holding the presidency work together closely in groups of three. The trios set long-term goals during the 18 months when they take turns to hold the EU presidency. The trio of Spain, Belgium and Hungary will take over in July 2023.

Spain will hold the rotating presidency from July 2023, Belgium will take over in January 2024, and Hungary in July 2024.

“In our programme, we wish to balance farmers’ competitiveness with preserving our created world so progress and environmental protection are both sustainable,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of protecting the inner markets, European food security and sovereignty.