Readjusting the Council Presidency: Belgian Leadership in the EU

In 2009, the Lisbon Treaty became effective within the European Union, substantially changing the existing institution through its amendments, and this book investigates how the rotating presidency is affected by the Lisbon Treaty and how the Belgian presidency—the first under the new rule book—has implemented changes for the 21st century. It shows that Belgium has created a new style of rotating presidency, going back to the basics of chairing the Council, while adjusting to its new political and institutional environment and setting precedents for the future. This examination will appeal to students and scholars of European Union politics well beyond the Member States.