By H. E. Ambassador Pieter de Gooijer, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the European Union.
Being a founding member of the EU, the Netherlands holds the Council Presidency in 2016 for the 12th time. The last Presidency of the Netherlands was in 2004.
The Netherlands has assumed its Presidency in difficult circumstances. Undoubtedly, the EU is being severely put to the test. It is facing a huge influx of people who have fled war and oppression. Geopolitics appears to be making a comeback, and within the EU itself, the threat of fragmentation looms. These circumstances make clear the urgent necessity of EU cooperation, whilst, at the very same time, its need is questioned by many people in Europe’s capitals and households.
The Netherlands Presidency of the Council is committed to do what we, as the EU, agreed collectively to do. We do so by taking an active approach and tackling our Presidency pragmatically. Staying on course together might sound simple, but it is not. Peace, security, and prosperity are achievements that are often taken for granted. These achievements all require continuous attention and effort to safeguard them for the future. An effective EU – focusing on the essentials, on innovative growth and jobs and on its citizens – is the best instrument to safeguard those achievements for our continent.
We are confident that together we can fulfill these ambitions, but only by making connections. Connections should be made between Council member states, since solidarity forms the basis of European cooperation. Connections should likewise be made between the Council and other EU institutions, such as the Commission and the European Parliament. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, closer connections should be made between the EU and its citizens.
During these six months, the Netherlands will place itself at the service of the Council with this goal in mind. We will make connections, by clarifying that there is more that unites us than divides us. In this respect, the Dutch tradition of consultation and experience as bridge-builders, may greatly contribute to our job. We have a great willingness and eagerness to make this 12th Netherlands Presidency into a success both for the EU and for its citizens.
Information:
Permanent Mission of The Kingdom of the Netherlands in Brussels http://eu.nlmission.org/
