European Council
EU Council President Charles Michel to step down early
Charles Michel has said he will step down as European Council president early so that he can stand as a Member of the European Parliament.
The Belgian politician's mandate runs out in November but the European Parliament elections are set for June.
The next European Council president must be elected by a majority of the EU's 27 leaders.
If no successor is found in time, Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orban, would temporarily hold the presidency.
Hungary will hold the rotating presidency of the Council from July, meaning it chairs the meetings of member state ministers. Nationalist leader Mr Orban would hold the role normally performed by the council president until a replacement for Mr Michel was elected.
Mr Michel, 48, has served as chief of the EU Council, the group of government leaders of the 27 EU member states, since late 2019. Before taking on the EU role he was Belgian prime minister.
Share this article:
EU Reporter publishes articles from a variety of outside sources which express a wide range of viewpoints. The positions taken in these articles are not necessarily those of EU Reporter. Please see EU Reporter’s full Terms and Conditions of publication for more information EU Reporter embraces artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance journalistic quality, efficiency, and accessibility, while maintaining strict human editorial oversight, ethical standards, and transparency in all AI-assisted content. Please see EU Reporter’s full A.I. Policy for more information.
Counterfeit cigarettes drive illicit tobacco trade to highest level in a decade, new study claims
Libya’s fuel crisis offers lessons for energy security on both sides of the Mediterranean
EU Cybersecurity Act could expose member states to costly investment treaty claims, legal opinion warns
Spring semester package: Steering EU economies to increased competitiveness
In space, we can’t defend what we can’t see
Kazakhstan seeks deeper EU partnership in science, education and innovation
Outrage of Iranian exiles and opposition of MEPs to inviting Reza Pahlavi to the European Parliament
Shanyraq fest brings Kazakh music to Luxembourg
Commission calls for equal pay rules to become a reality across the EU
EU disburses nearly €2.8 billion to support Ukraine's financial stability and reform efforts
EU Drugs Agency warns of new health risks, including a rising trend in ketamine use
Commission imposes interim measures on Meta to preserve free access to WhatsApp for rival AI assistants
Debt, AI and Algorithms: How the bond market is being reshaped
EDF’s first-ever FSTP sub-call attracts strong interest from newcomers to EU defence funding
EU implements Palestine facility with $395 million for local banks and €2.1 million in technical assistance
EU exports of shark fins dropped in 2025
Kazakhstan reforms under scrutiny at Brussels Press Club round table
Japan should face up to history and contribute more to regional peace
Ambassador calls for 'speeding up' of co-operation between EU and Kazakhstan
Timur Turlov at Smart Moves Summit 2025: How chess can transform global education
Shevtsova’s case: Out-of-court sanctions dismantling trust in Ukrainian cause
The future of European transport
Trump Vs Trueman
US 'no longer' an 'unconditional ally' for Europe - MEP
-
Health5 days agoCounterfeit cigarettes drive illicit tobacco trade to highest level in a decade, new study claims
-
Libya5 days agoLibya’s fuel crisis offers lessons for energy security on both sides of the Mediterranean
-
Law4 days agoEU Cybersecurity Act could expose member states to costly investment treaty claims, legal opinion warns
-
European Commission5 days agoSpring semester package: Steering EU economies to increased competitiveness