European Council President Charles Michel announces plans to resign

Speaking to Belgian media, the 48-year-old politician said he will lead the list of candidates for the Reform Movement (MR) party in the EP elections in June. Charles Michel, a former Belgian Prime Minister and former MR President, said he will continue to serve as President of the European Council until he is sworn in as an EP MEP on July 16.

As President of the European Council, Michel’s main duties include chairing EU summits, which are key forums for the 27 member states to agree on a common response to crises ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to the conflict in neighboring Ukraine. The next meeting of the European Council will take place immediately after the European Parliament elections. Michel said the council will decide when his successor will take office.

The European Parliament elections are scheduled to take place from June 6 to 9 in the 27 member states, electing a total of 720 MEPs and also kicking off intense negotiations to find the heads of EU institutions. Mr. Michel’s surprise announcement has fueled speculation ahead of the negotiations to find the next EU leaders, which are expected to begin in November 2024.

So far, European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen has not officially informed about her plans after the end of her current term. She took office in 2019.