The new president of the EU Council, Charles Michel (43), fears a new kind of cold war between the United States and China, of which Europe could become a victim. The former Belgian prime minister believes Europe should not settle for a minor role on the global stage but must act as a self-confident and full-fledged player.
"We are a market with 500 million consumers, we have democratic values and interests that we need to protect. We need a clear vision of what we want with Africa, China, the US, the United Kingdom. The EU must act more firmly in the world, not aggressively but assertively. I want to have a serious debate about this with the heads of government next year, about a European foreign strategy," Michel said in an interview with de Volkskrant.
Michel will take over the role of EU president this weekend from the Pole Donald Tusk. This position is the forefront of the 28 heads of government and state, who generally prioritize and defend their own national interests within the EU. Because each EU country views major international issues differently, such as the unilateral trade policies of the United States or China’s aggressive acquisition strategies, the European Union does not always have a quick, appropriate response to international matters.
The 43-year-old liberal wants Europe to become the world leader in the green economy and to make its voice heard internationally to protect its interests. "The EU cannot sit idle on the most difficult discussions of our time." The EU must also speak with more confidence about its norms and values on the world stage, according to the Belgian. The EU has many reasons to be confident and assertive."
Michel’s call aligns with similar comments made by the new president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. She too has frequently spoken in recent weeks about the greater external orientation the EU needs.
In the interview, EU President Michel also expressed his dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s proposal to cap the new European multiannual budget at a maximum of 1.00 percent of the European gross national income. “Our ambition level cannot be limited to one percent and possible cuts on EU contributions. It also concerns what we spend the money on: agriculture, poor regions, research, action against climate change, the digitalization of society. That requires a broader discussion than just a few numbers.”