For the first six months of 2016, the Netherlands will hold the Presidency of the European Union.
We will chair the meetings held in Brussels and Luxembourg.
And hold informal meetings for European guests in the heart of Amsterdam.
The National Maritime Museum and Amsterdam’s naval dockyard exemplify the international outlook of the Netherlands.
During its term, the Netherlands will work to improve European cooperation.
We are bound to make big strides by focusing on key issues:
A safe and free Europe, and a common approach to conflict situations;
An effective and fair single market, with more jobs and decent incomes;
A common and fair policy on migration and asylum;
A future-proof climate and energy policy, with sustainable growth and energy security;
And a strong and stable Eurozone, with healthy budgets and modern economies.
We want to be an innovative Union that fosters prosperity and wellbeing for all its citizens.
This can only be achieved by developing a Union that puts people first, involving them in EU decision-making.
We’re realistic: European collaboration is often a matter of small steps and compromises.
We know we must work together to tackle the issues of today and tomorrow. It’s the only way to meet new challenges.
The Netherlands is committed to making this happen. Not just for six months, but also in the years ahead.
Welcome to the Netherlands.