A few months ago, Belgium handed over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union to Hungary. Speaking with Ambassador Bugenhout, we discussed Belgium’s accomplishments during its tenure. She highlighted the adoption of 78 legislative acts, many of which will significantly contribute to migration management, EU enlargement, and the regulation of artificial intelligence.

Over a cup of locally brewed coffee in the warm atmosphere of her residence, the ambassador also reflected on the relations between our countries and shared her observations on what has—and hasn’t—changed in Serbia since the 1990s, when she was previously stationed here.

What were the most significant moments during Belgium’s Presidency of the EU Council?

"I believe we had an exceptionally successful presidency. We started with three goals: strengthening the European Union, preparing it for the future, and protecting it. We managed to achieve everything we promised. Clearly, we were under time pressure, as the European Parliament went into recess at the end of April, and a significant number of critical legislative acts needed to be approved before it entered election mode.

We succeeded in passing legislation to implement the Migration Pact. Although it had been approved during Spain’s presidency, all its components needed to be formalized to make it operational. I believe this was one of the most important legislative acts we adopted.

For the Western Balkans, the most significant achievement was the Growth Fund, which we managed to approve in coordination with the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the presidency. It was approved in April and came into effect in May, allowing us to implement the Growth Plan based on the reform agendas submitted—or still being prepared—by candidate countries.

"When you eat frites, one of our national dishes, there’s a chance they’re made from Serbian potatoes, which is amazing."

— Kati Bugenhout, Belgian Ambassador to Serbia

In total, we adopted 78 legislative acts. For instance, the Artificial Intelligence Act was one of the key pieces of legislation, but there was a broad spectrum of work across various fields. Advancing legislative efforts has been a considerable success."

How will your country’s experience influence Hungary, the current EU Council President?

"Hungary’s presidency essentially continues the work, as you know, the program is always developed in trio presidencies. Spain, Belgium, and Hungary created a joint program with shared priorities, and each presiding country builds upon it. Hungary is well-acquainted with these priorities. Of course, each country places its emphasis on specific areas, so we know Hungary will continue advancing the enlargement process during its presidency."

What is the current state of bilateral relations between Belgium and Serbia?

"A new dynamic has emerged, as numerous meetings are regularly held in Brussels involving members of the Serbian government. It is also very common for bilateral meetings to take place in Brussels.

In April of this year, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding between our foreign ministries and held bilateral political consultations. As a result, I hosted a delegation from Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs here in April.

There are no contentious issues between our countries. Our business relations are excellent. We have around 30 to 40 investors operating here, which makes us very proud.

If we talk about agriculture, for example, your country still has a very significant agricultural sector. When you eat frites, one of our national dishes, there’s a good chance they’re made from Serbian potatoes, which is amazing."

You were part of a diplomatic mission in our country during the 1990s. How do you see Serbia now?

"You can’t change culture—it’s the same. If I were to go back to Belgium in 1996, culturally speaking, it would be the same. In Belgium, even today, if you visit someone at 11:00 in the morning, they’ll ask: ‘Would you like something to drink?’ And they’ll immediately follow up with: ‘Would you like a beer?’ That was the same in 1996 as it is now."

Serbia Today: Greater Exposure, Integration, and Growth

"In Serbia now, for example, there is much greater exposure and significantly more integration with other European countries. There are many more foreign companies, and the city has expanded incredibly.

Of course, every country changes over the years, especially over a span of 25 years, but people remain the same. The warmth, for example, the conversations, the tradition of drinking coffee, and those moments when the first rays of sunshine appear, and you can sit outside on a terrace. That was the same back then too."

How does Belgium view Serbia’s path to EU membership?

"Serbia is clearly making progress on its path toward EU membership. We all appreciate the efforts of the Serbian government, particularly the Ministry for European Integration, in addressing the various chapters that have already been opened and are under negotiation.

Regarding the Growth Plan, Serbia has already presented its reform agenda to the European authorities in Brussels. This reform agenda will be a very important and solid tool for advancing the enlargement process, as the aim of the Growth Plan, based on this reform agenda, is to accelerate the path of candidate countries towards EU membership."

The Green Transition is Crucial for the EU. How is Serbia progressing in this area?

"Serbia is clearly engaged in this EU accession process and is already making significant efforts to diversify energy sources, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and coal, and invest more in wind and solar energy.

There’s still much more that can be done. This is a topic personally important to me because I try to cycle everywhere I go. I believe that if we want to achieve a green transition, it involves many, many aspects.

It’s about climate change and measures to mitigate it, but also about transport, health, reducing pollution, and ways to lower emissions. So, many different topics are being addressed.

It’s essential to communicate this to people because it requires effort. We need to convince people that if we want clean air and to care for our health, we also need to take certain measures and adjust our behaviours somewhat."

What could Serbia do to accelerate its path to the EU, in your opinion?

"What stands out to me is that there could be better communication with citizens about where the country is making progress. Communication is very important. People need to be clearly informed about what the accession process entails because it is, at its core, highly technical. The transition to our shared values needs to be communicated more clearly.

EU funds have been invested in Serbia in many different areas, for example, in primary healthcare centres across the country. That is a very positive shared story.

Acceleration will come from the willingness of the Serbian government to accompany us in all these projects and to improve the quality of life here.

There is also work to be done on democracy because we share the same values. The European Union is a project of values and a shared future. The rule of law is key.

We are here to support Serbia on its path to the European Union."

Watch the full interview in the video: