The former President of the European Council, Charles Michel, issued severe criticisms of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stating that she "is not up to the challenges" facing the European Union. The Belgian politician's statements represent a significant break with his former leadership colleague in the European institutions.
Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen shared leadership of the European Union's main institutions during the period between 2019 and 2024. During these five years, Michel presided over the European Council while Von der Leyen led the European Commission, forming what was considered a central partnership in European governance.
Michel's criticisms arise at a time of heightened tension in European institutions, with pending questions about the political direction of the European Union and the response to the various challenges the bloc currently faces. The Belgian politician's negative assessment contrasts with the image of institutional collaboration that characterized the period when both held top positions in the EU.
