( CNN ) -- King Albert II of Belgium is abdicating his throne , effective July 21 , he announced Wednesday . His son Crown Prince Philippe will succeed him , he said in a nationally televised address . European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso issued a statement about the move . `` It is with deep emotion that I hear the announcement of the abdication of His Majesty King Albert II . On behalf of the European Commission and on my own behalf , I wish to express to him my sincere thanks for his tireless efforts in the service of Belgium and Europe , '' the statement read . Throughout his 20-year reign , Albert `` has never ceased to be a staunch defender of the values that are the basis of the European construction , '' the statement said . Willem-Alexander takes Dutch throne after mother abdicates . Opinion : Why Queen Elizabeth wo n't step down .
King Crown Prince Philippe abdication will be effective on Wednesday . His son Albert II 's will succeed him . the European Commission president praises Albert II 's in a statement .