Only 37.6% of Belgians view the performance of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU positively, a survey commissioned by the French-speaking Free University of Brussels (ULB) reveals, and published by Le Soir.
Over its six months until 2024, the Belgian Presidency failed to excite the masses, reported the newspaper, highlighting, however, that Belgium’s rating within European circles is significantly higher.
While 37.6% of respondents perceive the tenure as positive, 21.7% claim ignorance, 23.8% express uncertainty, leaving 16.8% assigning a negative score.
During the first wave of the ULB/Le Soir survey, only 15.7% of respondents thought the Belgian EU Presidency would yield positive change in Europe, compared to 10% who disagreed. Meanwhile, over half, 53.6%, neither felt hopeful nor anxious regarding the six-month undertaking.
The issue of an international "resurgence" for Belgium elicited barely any more enthusiasm: 37.2% of those polled believe that the Belgian Presidency has reinforced Belgium’s stance on the European and international stages. Conversely, 36.9% expressed the opposite view, with a high percentage (26%) not responding.
In conclusion, just 28.1% of respondents think that the media appropriately reported on the Belgian presidency while an increased number, 41.6%, were left wanting more. Furthermore, 21.7% had no opinion and 8.6% felt overwhelmed by the information.
