Belgium took over the six month rotating presidency of the EU on 1 July. Certain priorities have been identified, as part of a joint 18 month programme with Spain and Hungary. These are socio-economic issues including a package of measures to increase the surveillance of financial markets, promote green jobs, innovation and the transition to a "green knowledge economy"; social issues including services of general interest and pension reform; environment and climate change including the use of taxation; justice and home affairs including the mutual recognition of court rulings; and external relations. CEPI looks forward to a positive outcome for the Belgian presidency…