Michel Seeks to Prevent von der Leyen from Attending EU Leaders' Meeting: Reports

The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, is seeking to prevent the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, from attending a meeting where EU leaders will discuss the distribution of key positions within the European Union, Politico reports, citing seven sources from European diplomats, officials, and representatives of EU countries.

“In negotiations with EU leaders and their aides, the President of the European Council suggested removing the Commission President from the list of participants for the June 17 meeting, where heads of states and governments will discuss top positions in the EU,” the publication states.

It has been noted that several EU member states oppose Michel's proposal. Some countries within the EU believe that Michel is trying to undermine von der Leyen's appointment for a second term as President of the European Commission.

Earlier, Euractiv reported that Charles Michel, without naming names, openly criticized von der Leyen, indicating that the leadership of the Commission violates the principle of neutrality of that body, which is directly stipulated in EU treaties. According to Politico, citing European officials, there are doubts about von der Leyen's likelihood of being re-elected for a second term as she has faced increasing criticism for mistakes. In particular, opposition forces in the European Parliament have criticized her actions during the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, when Brussels was reportedly making opaque and evidently excessive purchases of vaccines from pharmaceutical giants.

Additionally, in recent months, the European Commission has faced massive protests from European farmers, who blame Brussels' agricultural policies for their dire situation.