European Council President Charles Michel will run for the European elections in 2024, which could lead to a crisis in filling the top diplomatic post, Belgian media reported.
"I have decided to run in the European elections in 2024," declared Michel.
He will take his seat in the European Parliament in mid-July. EU leaders will then need to quickly appoint his successor to the vacated Council post. Due to the fact that Hungary takes over the rotating presidency of the Council in July, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán could fill the role of Council President if EU members do not quickly agree on a candidate.
Over the past year, tensions between the EU and Hungary over support for Ukraine have become increasingly intense. Orbán as Michel's backup successor is likely to cause further conflicts between the Commission members.
Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Hungary has repeatedly blocked EU support for Kiev, opposed sanctions against Russia, and is now threatening to thwart Ukraine's EU bid.
After the European Council agreed to start accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova on December 14, Orban effectively abstained from voting to start negotiations, saying "Ukraine's EU membership is a bad decision". The next day, he blocked the bloc's 50 billion euro package of measures for Ukraine.
Despite Orbán's opposition, the European Council remained a strong supporter of Ukraine during the full-scale invasion./BGNES
