About: Charles Michel
Crimea features high in recent EU-Russia communication
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (8 September) told European Council President Charles Michel that the EU was continuing to discriminate against residents of Crimea, the Kremlin said in a readout of a phone call between Putin and Michel.
At G7 summit, EU fails to extend the deadline for Kabul airport evacuations
At the G7 summit on Tuesday (24 August), EU leaders urged US President Joe Biden to continue securing Kabul airport until operations to evacuate vulnerable Afghans are completed past the 31 August deadline, apparently without success.
Ukraine vows to bring Crimea back as international leaders affirm support in Kyiv
An international summit initiated by Ukraine reaffirmed on Monday (23 August) international commitments to de-occupy Crimea, seven and a half years after Russian troops occupied the strategic Black Sea peninsula.
Ruling party in Georgia dumps Charles Michel’s agreement
Georgian Dream, the ruling party in Georgia, withdrew on Wednesday (28 July) from the agreement to put an end to the protracted political crisis in the country, brokered in April by European Council President Charles Michel.
Newer EU members support Associated Trio as ‘champions’
Though vast majority of EU countries welcome deeper integration with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, their "Associated Trio" initiative finds more support within Eastern and Central Europe, while the Commission and Western member states remain hesitant to adopt the term.
Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova seek acceptance of their EU membership perspective
A summit between Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova in the Georgian Black Sea city of Batumi culminated on Monday (19 July) with the signature of a declaration calling for the EU to acknowledge the perspective of these countries to become full EU members one day. EURACTIV reports from Batumi.
Charles Michel heralds more EU involvement in the South Caucasus
European Council President Charles Michel will attend a regional summit in the Georgian Black Sea city of Batumi on Monday (19 July), after a weekend visit of Armenia and Azerbaijan, in what appears as an attempt to keep the region closer to the EU. EURACTIV reports from Batumi.
Belarus jails Lukashenko foe Babariko for 14 years in sham trial
A court in Belarus jailed former presidential contender Viktor Babariko for 14 years on Tuesday (6 July) after convicting him on corruption charges he denied, sparking condemnation from the West and the embattled opposition-in-exile.
EU condemns Belarus ‘pressuring’ Lithuania with migrants, says Michel
The European Union "speaks with one voice" in condemning a decision by Belarus to allow illegal migrants to cross into Lithuania in response to EU sanctions, European Council President Charles Michel said on Monday (5 July).
EU reproves Belarus’ walkout from the Eastern Partnership
Belarus on Monday (28 June) said it was suspending its participation in the EU’s Eastern Partnership, an initiative to boost ties between the EU and its ex-Soviet neighbours, a move condemned by Brussels as “another step backwards” after the skyjacking...
Georgian mediation obtains the release of 15 Armenian POWs by Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan on Saturday (12 June) released to Armenia 15 prisoners of war captured last year during hostilities over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, under a deal mediated by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and saluted by the US and the EU.
EU chief defends China deal ahead of US summit
One of Brussels' top two leaders has defended the European Union's efforts to reach an investment agreement with China, ahead of summit meetings with US President Joe Biden.
Von der Leyen: Great progress in fight against COVID-19 must be consolidated
Europe has made great progress in vaccination since the start of May and this is paving the way for societies to reopen safely, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday (25 May), but warned that progress must be consolidated so that we "stay one step ahead of the virus".
EU leaders to task Borrell with preparation of Russia report
EU leaders will task EU's chief diplomat Josep Borrell with preparing a report on the bloc's strategy towards Russia, similar to the one presented in March on Turkey, according to summit conclusions seen by EURACTIV.
World powers call for de-escalation after Israel clashes
Calls grew on Wednesday (12 May) for a de-escalation of violence after intense hostilities between Israel and the Palestinians that have left at least 65 dead and hundreds injured.
Georgia opposition leader walks free after EU posts bail
Georgia on Monday (10 May) released jailed opposition leader Nika Melia on bail posted by the European Union, in a move expected to defuse a political crisis in the Caucasus country.
EU Council chief expects an ‘important new chapter’ with India
Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, said on Wednesday (5 May) he hoped that the summit between leaders of the EU and India would open an "important new chapter" between Brussels and New Delhi, despite the "dramatic scenario" of the pandemic.
Russia bars EU officials as latest row escalates
Tensions between Russia and the European Union escalated on Friday (30 April) as Moscow barred eight EU officials from entering the country and Brussels warned it could respond in kind.
Von der Leyen says ‘sofagate’ shows need to tackle sexism
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said Monday (26 April) her recent treatment in Turkey, where she was denied a chair at top-level talks, underscores the EU's need to tackle sexism.
MEP: EU Council is ‘obliged’ to introduce democracy conditionality with Turkey
All aspects of the EU’s relationship with Turkey should introduce the question of democratic conditionality, a leading MEP has told EURACTIV. “The Council is obliged by our treaties to stand for our values. This is not only the role of...
Michel’s mediation in Georgia revealed
European Council President Charles Michel "took risks" during his recent visit to Georgia, and some in Brussels thought his actions were "mad", according to an EU official familiar with the latest diplomatic action meant to reassert the EU's 'soft power'.
Calls for rallies threaten EU deal in Georgia
European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (20 April) declared a political crisis in Georgia resolved, but defiant opposition groups called for new protests and an ex-president announced his return from exile to oust the ruling party.
Georgia ruling party, opposition sign EU-led pact to end crisis
Georgia's ruling party and the opposition on Monday (19 April) signed an EU-mediated agreement to end a months-long political crisis that raised concerns in the West over the Caucasus country's backsliding on democracy.