🚀 Very first publication in PLC in 2026, a research note by Thomas Laloux, Tom Delreux & Emilien Mercenier (ISPOLE-UCLouvain) on whether the Belgian 2024 Presidency of the Council of the EU was successful in reaching trilogue deals on prioritised files, & what explains the variation in that success.
Main takes from their research
⭐ The Belgian Presidency significantly increased the likelihood of trilogue deals on files it prioritized, making them 6.7 times more likely to succeed.
⭐ Overall, 56% of prioritized files were successfully negotiated, compared to only 15% of non-prioritized files.
⭐ Success varied across policy fields: high rates in economic affairs and justice/home affairs, lower in environmental policy.
⭐ Preference heterogeneity within the Council boosted success, while high stakeholder attention reduced it, showing internal dynamics mattered more than external pressures.
Jan 14, 2026 12:39
