'Lack of focus': Charles Michel slams von der Leyen for 'very slow' progress
Speaking ahead of European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen's speech before parliament, ex-Council President Charles Michel told Euronews that she has failed to rise to the occasion of the EU's challenges.
European Commission President Charles Michel has criticized Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for her slow progress in addressing the EU's current challenges. Speaking ahead of von der Leyen's annual State of the European Union address, Michel expressed concern over the EU's inability to fulfill promises made in previous years.
He argued that the EU is facing complicated challenges due to conflicts, a war on European soil, and increasing competition with China and the United States. Michel emphasized the need to focus on core issues rather than communication and over-initiatives, stating that the Commission has launched 400 initiatives without significant progress.
He highlighted the deadlock in strengthening the EU's competitiveness and criticized over-regulation for weakening the EU. While acknowledging von der Leyen's responsibility, Michel emphasized her slow decision-making process. He also criticized von der Leyen's approach to dealing with the US, referencing the Turnberry Agreement and her perceived naivety, suggesting that many European leaders had expressed the importance of building European sovereignty.
Despite these concerns, Michel remained optimistic, stating that there is a need for a reset of the European project, focusing on businesses, economic development, smarter regulation, and more investments.
Written by urgent.news from Euronews's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
