The appointment was made by the EU heads of state on Tuesday evening. In other news, the German Minister Ursula von der Leyen was nominated for the Presidency of the European Commission (with her appointment being subject to approval by an absolute majority in the European Parliament), while Christine Lagarde of France was nominated as President of the European Central Bank, and Josep Borrell (S&D) of Spain was nominated as High Representative for Foreign Affairs.

After three days of negotiations, the 28 leaders agreed on the distribution of the EU’s main posts, taking into account geographical, political and gender balances.

Brexit and climate change

The future President of the European Council Charles Michel stressed on Tuesday the importance of building “useful and positive compromises” for Europe in order to face the major challenges ahead, citing, among other obstacles, “Brexit, climate change and various other economic developments”.

“I think we must do our utmost to serve the citizenry, even if it means compromising. In the end, compromises are steps in the right direction,” Charles Michel said at press conference shortly after his election. “It is a great honour, privilege and responsibility for me to have been chosen to preside over the European Council,” he said, before adding: “I fully appreciate the weight of this responsibility and its potential impact in guaranteeing diversity, unity and solidarity within the European project.”

Asked about the situation in Belgium, Charles Michel reminded everyone that he would only succeed Pole Donald Tusk in December, and expressed his wish that a federal government “could be formed within a reasonable amount of time”. The term of office of the President of the European Council is two and a half years, and is renewable only once.

Future budget

When he takes over from Donald Tusk, Charles Michel will immediately be immersed in the major debates of the moment – especially Brexit, which may be take place as early as October. When pressed by British media on this issue, Charles Michel refused to discuss it further. “In the coming months and weeks, we will surely have the opportunity to discuss Brexit again,” he said.

Shortly before this press conference, Donald Tusk told him that he was “certain that the new leaders” of the European institutions would be “as coherent as we are with regard to the withdrawal agreement and our willingness to discuss the future relationship” with London. Another sensitive subject that the Belgian will have to deal with quickly once in office is the distribution of the hundreds of billions of euros of the 2021-2027 EU budget, which the Heads of State and Government hope to finalise before the end of the year.

The post Charles Michel appointed President of the European Council: “A privilege and a responsibility” appeared first on Brussels Express.

King Philippe received on Tuesday evening, December 18, the resignation of Charles Michel. This decision came after several weeks of political tension, including the resignation of all N-VA ministers. The maintenance of a minority MR-Open Vld-CD & V coalition in the House did not last more than two weeks after new tensions over the vote on the 2019 budget.

The King will continue the consultations throughout the day and will announce in the following days whether he accepts the resignation of the Prime Minister. If the resignation is accepted, either a new government will be formed or early elections have to be held, if the majority of the House decides so.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

every building must have.. its own soul #nightphotography #nightlights #atmosphere #garden #contrasts

A post shared by Vlad Grumezescu (@vlad_grumi) on Dec 18, 2018 at 12:57am PST

The post The King starts consultations at the Royal Palace after the Prime Minister presented his resignation appeared first on Brussels Express.

« I have confidence, and I am convinced that we can win, » continued the Prime Minister, according to which « Belgium is gathered behind a cause that puts aside all our differences and leaves the community issues in the fridge. »

« Abroad, we often have a more positive image of Belgium than we have of ourselves, here in the country. Our assets are recognized. We must take advantage of it, » added Charles Michel, for whom the country will be « the center of the world this week, » additionally because of the NATO summit scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday in Brussels. For this, « the police are mobilized and everything is done to keep the situation under control, » said the Prime Minister.

The post Charles Michel: « Belgium is the center of the world this week » appeared first on Brussels Express.

There are, however, regional disparities. The Walloons are the least inclined with 77% against. In Brussels, against weights in at 66%. But the surprise is that in Flanders, the popularity of Charles Michel and the federal government is higher than in other regions since the formation of the government; Although, a majority of the Flemish (57%) do not want a renewal. Voters of the MR appear to be the most enthusiastic to a Michel renewal (75%), then voters of the N-VA (71%) and those of the VLD (71%). The least in favour are PTB (2%), PS (10%), Ecolo (10%) and Challenge (10%).

The maximum margin of error for a percentage of 50% and a 95% confidence rate is + -3.1 in Wallonia and Flanders and +4.3 in Brussels.

The post Majority of Belgians against renewal of Michel government appeared first on Brussels Express.

« Belgium had indications that there would be joint strikes in Syria », said PM Charles Michel, to Bel RTL, who condemns the use of chemical weapons. « We advocate a political solution but the UN Security Council remains very divided on this issue » he concludes.

The post « The key is dialogue » says Charles Michel about Syria appeared first on Brussels Express.