Former European Council President and former Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel has launched sharp criticism against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, accusing her and the Commission of attempting a ?power grab? within the European Union's institutional structure.
In an interview with The Brussels Times, Michel said the European Commission has increasingly tried to expand its authority beyond what is ????????????? in the EU treaties. ?Today, the Commission is trying to take control. That's not in line with the treaty,? he stated, arguing that the balance between EU institutions is being undermined. He also accused von der Leyen of pursuing what he described as ?authoritarian governance? and sidelining some commissioners in the process.
Michel also returned to the so-called ?Sofagate? incident during a 2021 visit to Ankara, when he and von der Leyen met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an and von der Leyen was left without a chair during the official seating arrangement. The episode caused a diplomatic scandal and drew widespread criticism. Michel, however, remained unapologetic, insisting that ?the protocol was perfectly respected,? while acknowledging the negative public perception created by the images. According to him, the Commission later used the controversy to strengthen its own political position.
He further criticized the EU's handling of growing tensions with the United States, saying Brussels had responded too weakly and without proper coordination. As an example, he referred to the lack of a united European reaction in support of former commissioner Thierry Breton.
Looking back on his years in office, Michel reflected on major crises including the Brussels terrorist attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia's war against Ukraine. He argued that his earlier push for greater European strategic autonomy, stronger energy security and improved competitiveness has since been proven right.
Speaking about Belgium, Michel struck a more optimistic tone. He said the country's internal divisions cannot continue while international pressure keeps increasing. Using a metaphor to describe Belgium's unity, he remarked: ?You can try to separate the coffee and the milk. But it doesn?t work.?
