Politico has received information from its insiders that the EU leadership was outraged by the decision of European Council President Charles Michel to resign and run for the European Parliament.
EU sidelines criticise decision of European Council President Charles Michel
According to journalists, at a time when Europe is on the brink of two major wars, Michel's resignation is perceived by official Brussels as a signal that he is thinking about his own political ambitions, not the future of the EU as a whole.
Insiders also warn that the decision of the President of the European Council may provoke a conflict of interest, as he will be running for one position while holding another.
The bloc's leadership is even wondering whether it would have been better if he had not resigned immediately after the European elections in June, or even earlier.
According to one of the anonymous sources, Charles Michel acted "insincerely and disrespectfully towards the role of the European Council".
Member States were not consulted in advance about Michel's decision. Understandably, they were unhappy that they were informed at the same time as the media began to report on it.
Who could become the new head of the European Council
According to the Financial Times, it is quite possible that former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi could become the head of the European Council after Charles Michel's final resignation.
The publication's insiders note that he has the support of most EU leaders.
Other candidates for the presidency of the European Council include the current prime ministers of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, and Denmark, Mette Frederiksen. Unlike Draghi, both leaders are affiliated with leading European political parties, which is an important factor in EU appointments.
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