Charles Michel to Step Down from President of the European Council: Reasons Revealed

The current President of the European Council, Charles Michel, has announced that he will participate in the upcoming European Parliament elections and will leave his position in the summer to take a seat as a Member of Parliament. His term ends in late November 2024, as reported by RIA Novosti.

It was noted that the Belgian newspaper Soir had reported the day before that Michel could lead the list of candidates for reform movements of the Belgian liberal party in the next European Parliament elections.

"I have decided to participate in the European elections scheduled for June 2024," Michel stated in an interview with leading Belgian media. He clarified that the position of President of the European Council cannot be combined with the duties of a Member of the European Parliament, which is why he will resign before July 16—the day when the newly elected Members of the European Parliament will take their oath.

It is worth mentioning that Charles Michel's powers as President of the European Council will conclude in November 2024, while the elections are set to occur in July. Michel also stated that the leaders of EU countries and governments will gather for a summit at the end of June or the beginning of July to elect the new President of the European Council. He expressed hope that his successor would assume office in the summer. Otherwise, the functions of the President of the European Council may be transferred to Hungary, which will hold the presidency of the EU Council at that time.