About: Charles Michel
2019 LOOKAHEAD: New brand of social upheaval takes shape ahead of EU elections
The yellow vests in France and Belgium may be only the tip of the iceberg of a major social upheaval ahead of the European elections, with a common denominator: people protesting their worsening living standards do not want to be represented by the existing political forces.
Belgium’s Charles Michel to stay on heading caretaker government
Belgian King Philippe accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Charles Michel on Friday (21 December) and requested his government stay on in a caretaker capacity for the coming months after his coalition split following an argument over migration.
Nine EU members stay away from UN migration pact
Three EU members voted against, five abstained and one didn’t vote during the formal ratification on Wednesday (19 December) in New York of the Global Compact on Migration.
Belgian PM announces resignation in crisis started by migrant row
Belgium Prime Minister Charles Michel offered to resign on Tuesday (18 December) after opponents tabled a no confidence vote in a political crisis triggered by differences over immigration.
Anti-migrant protesters clash outside EU headquarters
Thousands of far-right supporters marched in Brussels on Sunday (16 December) against a UN pact aimed at fostering cooperation on migration, and clashed with police outside the EU headquarters.
Belgian PM suggests Visegrad countries should be ousted from Schengen
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said on Friday (14 December) EU countries that show no solidarity in the management of migration open the debate about whether they have a place in the Schengen area.
Belgian PM relaunches government as minority after ally quits
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel relaunched his government on Sunday (9 December) as a minority administration after the biggest party in his coalition quit in a dispute over signing the UN migration compact.
Belgian PM to go to Marrakesh migration forum ‘in personal capacity’
To avoid a major crisis in the coalition government, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel announced on Thursday (6 December) that he will go "in personal capacity" to the intergovernmental conference in Marrakesh, focused on the Global Compact on migration.
Global Migration Pact puts Belgian ruling coalition in jeopardy
The future of Belgium’s coalition government has come under threat after Prime Minister Charles Michel said he would sign the UN Global Migration Compact in Marrakesh on 10 December, despite opposition from his coalition partner, the Flemish right-wing N-VA party.
Belgium to buy US F-35 fighters in blow to EU’s defence policy
Belgium said Thursday (25 October) it had chosen to buy US-made F-35 stealth warplanes over the Eurofighter Typhoon, which critics call a blow to the EU's bid to build its own defences.
Diplomatic tensions flare between Spain and Belgium over Catalan crisis
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel sought to defuse bilateral tensions at an EU summit yesterday (17 October) after Flemish and Spanish authorities traded accusations over Spain's handling of Catalonia's illegal declaration of independence and imprisonment of separatists.
Salvini sees populist-conservative coalition guiding the new EU Commission
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who also leads the far-right League party, said on Tuesday (11 September) he wants the new European Commission to be led by conservatives and populists.
France, Benelux to propose EU aid for Africa in return for migrant help
France and the three Benelux countries on Thursday (6 September) launched a plan to offer EU funds to African countries in return for help stemming the flow of migrants to Europe.
Offer citizenship to British eurocrats, Juncker asks Belgian PM
European Commission boss Jean-Claude Juncker has called on Belgium to demonstrate its “generosity” by offering citizenship for British officials working in the EU institutions.
Juncker casts doubt on resolving tariff dispute with Trump by 1 May deadline
The EU is unlikely to secure permanent exemption from US steel and aluminium tariffs by the time President Trump’s stopgap reprieve from the measures expires on 1 May, Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said Friday.
Citizens rally to host migrants, in defiance of Belgian government
Human rights activists and some political parties in Belgium are calling for the resignation of Theo Francken, the secretary of state for immigration, citing his aggressive and hostile stance towards migrants from Africa and the Middle East.
Belgian PM seeks EU help in row over deported Sudanese
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said yesterday (11 January) he would seek EU help to settle a row over his country's deportation of Sudanese who were allegedly tortured on their return home.
Puigdemont says will stay in Belgium, accept snap election
Dismissed Catalan President Carles Puigdemont is not seeking political asylum in Belgium and will not return to Spain until he is guaranteed a fair trial, he told a packed news conference in Brussels’ European quarter on Tuesday (31 October).
Only Belgium breaks ranks in EU unity with Madrid
As the Spanish government vowed to take back powers from the Catalan regional government, EU leaders closed ranks behind Madrid on the first day of the EU summit yesterday (19 October), with only Belgium’s Prime Minister Charles Michel urging moderation and dialogue.
Re-inventing Europe and building the future of the Union
The initiative by French President Emmanuel Macron is a wind of change in Europe and a welcome movement towards relaunching the European Project. André Flahaut explains why Belgium should seize the opportunity.
Eyes on EU as Catalonia leader threatens independence
Catalonia's leader, Carles Puigdemont, said the region won the right to break away from Spain, with his government claiming on Monday (2 October) that 90% of voters backed independence in a banned referendum marred by violent clashes.
Save our fries! Belgians say EU spares national dish
Belgium's national dish, the deep fried potato sticks that much of the English-speaking world gallingly calls "French fries", has been saved.
Trump demands NATO payment–but makes no defence pledge
US President Donald Trump stole the show at a meeting of NATO heads of state yesterday (25 May) when he doubled down on his demands for other members to pay more in an opening speech.