(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 won't step down .
King Albert II's abdication will be effective on July 21 . His son Crown Prince Philippe will succeed him . European Commission president praises King Albert in a statement .