When Michel took up the chairmanship of the European Council in 2019, the concept had gained floor that Europe wanted to grow to be much less depending on different continents and pursue “strategic autonomy.” “I do know there are nonetheless challenges, however in that space, we now have made extra progress over the previous 5 years because of the sequence of crises than within the final thirty years,” Michel confidently states in an interview with The European Newsroom, the partnership of reports businesses to which Belga additionally belongs.
Michel refers, amongst different issues, to the European response to the coronavirus pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Nevertheless, there may be nonetheless a sense that European safety is within the palms of American voters in swing states, however in keeping with Michel, the European Union shouldn’t be afraid to attend and see who turns into the subsequent resident of the White Home. “I don’t need my youngsters or grandchildren to grow to be depending on who the subsequent president of the US or China or Russia will likely be. I would like them to retain management over their future as a result of we in Europe resolve our personal future.”
Michel can also be not so certain {that a} victory of both Donald Trump or Kamala Harris will make an enormous distinction for sure Washington insurance policies in the long term. He refers, amongst different issues, to protectionism on the opposite facet of the Atlantic Ocean and the concentrate on China. “In fact, there are variations between Trump and Harris, particularly within the quick time period, however are we certain that the orientation in the long run will likely be so completely different for relations between the European Union and the USA?”
Charles Michel’s mandate expires on the finish of November. From December, the Portuguese former Prime Minister Antonio Costa will take over the chairmanship of the European Council.
