On July 26, 2023, it was announced that Belgium is likely to gain an extra seat in the European Parliament ahead of the 2024 elections. EU ambassadors reached an agreement

on the composition of the European Parliament between 2024 and 2029, as announced by the Spanish presidency on Twitter.

According to the European treaty, the European Parliament should have a maximum of 750 members, including the president. Currently, there are 705 occupied seats, with Belgium holding 21 of them. However, in light of the latest population figures, the European Parliament aims to increase the number of seats to 716 after the June 2024 elections.

Initially, the Parliament proposed that Belgium retain its 21 seats, but member states were also allowed to express their views. Belgium had already indicated its intention to request one or two additional seats.

Now, EU ambassadors have agreed on the composition of the Parliament after 2024. As reported by Dutch news agency ANP, the Council's decision would grant Belgium, Poland, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Ireland, Slovenia, and Latvia the opportunity to elect an additional Member of the European Parliament. The Netherlands, Spain, and France would each receive two new seats. This would result in a total of 720 seats in the European Parliament.

EU diplomats believe that the Parliament is likely to accept these adjustments to its proposal. However, time is running out as the European elections are scheduled for June next year, and many member states will soon begin their preparations.