Appeal to EP: You should be open to a long extension, if the UK wishes to rethink its strategy. 6 million people signed the petition, 1 million marched. They may not feel sufficiently represented by UK Parliament but they must feel represented by you. Because they are Europeans.
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Charles Michel
@eucopresident
, President of the European Council. This account is managed by the media team .
Charles Michel’s posts
To my British friends,
The EU27 has formally adopted the extension. It may be the last one. Please make the best use of this time.
I also want to say goodbye to you as my mission here is coming to an end. I will keep my fingers crossed for you.
I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted #Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely.
., what’s at stake is not winning some stupid blame game. At stake is the future of Europe and the UK as well as the security and interests of our people. You don’t want a deal, you don’t want an extension, you don’t want to revoke, quo vadis?
If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?
There is a special place in heaven for . Canada, thank you for the perfect organisation of G7!
The extension request has just arrived. I will now start consulting EU leaders on how to react. #Brexit
Following PM ’s decision to pause the process of ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement, and in order to avoid a no-deal #Brexit, I will recommend the EU27 accept the UK request for an extension. For this I will propose a written procedure.
The backstop is an insurance to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland unless and until an alternative is found. Those against the backstop and not proposing realistic alternatives in fact support reestablishing a border. Even if they do not admit it.
Notre-Dame de Paris est Notre-Dame de toute l’Europe. We are all with Paris today.
America and the EU are best friends. Whoever says we are foes is spreading fake news.
Unless there is a change of heart among our British friends, #Brexit will become a reality – with all its negative consequences - March next year. We, here on the continent, haven’t had a change of heart. Our hearts are still open for you.
I feel at home in Montreal for many reasons. Also because, I didn’t hear anyone shouting “SEND HIM BACK!”
Today I had two phone calls on #Brexit, first with Dublin then with London.
My message to Taoiseach : We stand fully behind Ireland.
My message to PM : We remain open but still unconvinced.
Politicians come and go but the problems they have created for people remain. I can only regret that the idea of #Brexit has not left with Davis and Johnson. But...who knows?
The EU27 has agreed that it will accept the UK's request for a #Brexit flextension until 31 January 2020. The decision is expected to be formalised through a written procedure.
Even if, after today, we don’t know what the end result will be, let us be patient. #Brexit
My last words : Thank you for your responsible position on #Brexit and extension. After what I have heard in this chamber today, I have no doubt that we should treat the British request for extension in all seriousness.
日本国民の方々および安倍首相 に対し、心中より哀悼の意を、また欧州の連帯の言葉を捧げたい。EUはどのような形ででも力になりたいと考えている。この悲劇的状況を受け、日・EU定期首脳協議の開催をブリュッセルから来週東京に動かす用意がある
In my phone call with PM I gave reasons why I’m recommending the EU27 accept the UK request for an extension.
I strongly disagree with President Putin that liberalism is obsolete. What I find really obsolete are authoritarianism, personality cults, the rule of oligarchs.
My press statement at #G20OsakaSummit: europa.eu/!Gp89kF
It was quite a run! After 5 years, it's time to say goodbye to all of you.
Tomorrow I hand over to . Bon courage, Charles!
Tomorrow I meet PM . I hope that he will not like to go down in history as “Mr. No Deal”. The EU is ready to listen to operational, realistic ideas acceptable to all Member States including Ireland, if and when the UK government is ready to put them on the table.
Dear Boris, congratulations on your appointment. I look forward to meeting you to discuss - in detail - our cooperation.
Waiting for the letter.
I just talked to PM about the situation after the vote in the House of Commons.
In view of the rejection of the Withdrawal Agreement by the House of Commons, I have decided to call a European Council on 10 April. #Brexit
I hope that all of Europe will unite in support of democratic forces in #Venezuela. Unlike Maduro, the parliamentary assembly, including Juan Guaido have a democratic mandate from Venezuelan citizens.
In Kyiv today.
In the heart of a free and democratic Europe.
1 MILLION!
Thanks to all who have followed me the last 4 years, a daily fight to keep EU unity.
The US Congress is a temple of democracy.
To witness tonight’s scenes in #WashingtonDC is a shock.
We trust the US to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to
For EU nothing changes. Spain remains our only interlocutor. I hope the Spanish government favours force of argument, not argument of force.
At the summit one Prime Minister warned us not to be dreamers, not to think #Brexit could be reversed. But in this difficult moment, we need dreamers and dreams. We cannot give in to fatalism.
At least I will not stop dreaming about a united Europe. europa.eu/!pG73CJ
Looking at latest decisions of someone could even think: with friends like that who needs enemies. But frankly, EU should be grateful. Thanks to him we got rid of all illusions. We realise that if you need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of your arm.
My message to PM : The EU position is clear and consistent. The Withdrawal Agreement is not open for renegotiation. Yesterday, we found out what the UK doesn't want. But we still don’t know what the UK does want. #brexit
I’d like to say words of comfort and solidarity with the French nation, also as citizen of Gdańsk, 90% destroyed and burnt, later rebuilt. You will also rebuild your cathedral!
From Strasbourg, French capital of the EU, I call on all 28 States to take part in this task.#NotreDame
Paweł Adamowicz, Mayor of Gdańsk, a man of Solidarity and freedom, a European, my good friend, has been murdered. May he rest in peace.
The collapse of the Soviet Union was NOT the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century. Today in Georgia I want to say loud and clear: the USSR collapse was a blessing to Georgians, Poles, Ukrainians and the whole of Central and Eastern Europe. And also to Russians.
We could and should never take peace in Europe for granted. Today, 100 years since the end of WW1, the European Union stands for peace and unity. #Armistice
Congratulations . Congratulations to French people for choosing Liberty, Equality and Fraternity over tyranny of fake news.
Shocked by haunting images of atrocities committed by Russian army in Kyiv liberated region #BuchaMassacre
EU is assisting #Ukraine & NGO’s in gathering of necessary evidence for pursuit in international courts.
Further EU sanctions & support are on their way.
Слава Україні!
Щирі вітання #KalushOrchestra on winning the #esc2022 Congratulations!
Ломаними дорогами прийду я завжди до тебе
Wishing that next year’s #Eurovision can be hosted in Kyiv in a free and united Ukraine.
Dear . US doesn’t have and won’t have a better ally than EU. We spend on defense much more than Russia and as much as China. I hope you have no doubt this is an investment in our security, which cannot be said with confidence about Russian & Chinese spending :-)
You may leave the room, maybe it's easier not to listen to the truth, dear Ambassador #Nebenzia
#SecurityCouncil #UNSC
There is a special place in our European hearts for PM ❤️ The EU congratulates you, Justin!
The idea of a conflict between patriotism and globalism is false and dangerous. 21st century patriotism must have a global dimension, if it is not to become national egoism. The love of one’s homeland cannot become hatred towards one's neighbours. #UNGA
EU27/UK have agreed a flexible extension until 31 October. This means additional six months for the UK to find the best possible solution.
"Thanks to you, the centre has held through many storms."
addresses a few words to Chancellor Merkel as we are saying goodbye to her in the European Council #EUCO
I am consulting EU leaders on how to respond to the British request for an Art. 50 extension. We should be ready for every scenario. But I made clear to PM : a no-deal #Brexit will never be our decision.
My speech : europa.eu/!cV39Xr #EUCO
In response to in EP: I don’t know what the result of the #brexit talks is going to be. But I know that it is the Brexiteers, who are 100% responsible for bringing back the problem of the Irish border.
There are times when you need to give time time.
My letter to EU leaders ahead of tomorrow’s #EUCO: europa.eu/!Wb76Jq
#Brexit
EU27 responds to UK requests in a positive spirit and:
👉 agrees to Art. 50 extension until 22 May if Withdrawal Agreement approved next week
👉 if not agreed next week then extension until 12 April
👉 approves ‘Strasbourg Agreement’
👉 continues no-deal preparations
As a motto for tomorrow, the words of Freddie Mercury, who passed away exactly 27 years ago: "Friends will be friends, right till the end".
Let me say to our British friends: as much as I am sad to see you leave, I will do everything to make this farewell the least painful possible, both for you and for us. #Brexit
The UK has still not come forward with a workable, realistic proposal. But I have received promising signals from Taoiseach that a deal is possible. Even the slightest chance must be used. A no deal #Brexit will never be the choice of the EU.
For the first time, we achieved perfect gender balance in the top positions. Europe is not only talking about women, it is choosing women. I hope this will inspire many girls and women to fight for their beliefs and passions. I hope it will inspire the EP in its decisions.
No news is not always good news. EU27 still waiting for concrete, realistic proposals from London on how to break #Brexit impasse.
Today we celebrate 15 years of #EUenlargement.
For us in those days, Europe really was a symbol of freedom, high standards, prosperity, modernity and security. And we have never been disappointed.
I agree with . Do not allow external anti-European forces to influence our elections and decide on key priorities and new leadership of EU. All those who care about EU should cooperate during and after the EP elections. The renaissance of Europe must start now.
To those in the European Union who might think that playing outside the agreed rules and cutting corners means strength, I say: you are wrong. It means weakness.
To those working hard to defend European values, our freedoms and rights, I say: keep fighting.
One may treat the Union as a cash cow and its values with a grain of salt. But it is a very short-term game. Our times demand from Central Europe maturity and strategic seriousness. Take on your shoulders responsibility not only for yourselves but for Europe as a whole.
The EU stands by the EU-Mercosur agreement but a harmonious ratification is hard to imagine as long as the Brazilian government allows for the destruction of the green lungs of Planet Earth.
The detainment of Alexey #Navalny upon arrival in Moscow is unacceptable.
I call on Russian authorities to immediately release him.
Talked to on the war on #Ukraine
The conflict threatens multilateral order, international cooperation and economic development.
Reaching a ceasefire, establishing humanitarian corridors and preventing further loss of lives is of the utmost urgency.
Minute of silence by EU staff for victims of Manchester Attack. Europe stands by UK in fight against terrorism, always. #WeStandTogether
I thanked prime minister of Pakistan for hosting evacuees in transit.
We discussed the security of citizens in #Afghanistan as well as regional and international security.
Safe deployment of humanitarian assistance is key.
I condemn Russian use of force in Azov Sea. Russian authorities must return Ukrainian sailors, vessels & refrain from further provocations.
I discussed situation with Pres. and will meet his representatives later today.
Europe will stay united in support of Ukraine.
EU27 has agreed an extension of Art. 50. I will now meet PM for the UK government's agreement. #Brexit
We are opening a new chapter in #EUIndia 🇪🇺🇮🇳 strategic partnership at the meeting of EU Leaders with PM 1/3 👇
On #EuropeDay, let’s never forget...
Europe is YOU, it’s US, it’s all of us TOGETHER. UNITY is what makes us stronger.
Here’s what Europe means to #EU27 leaders: nwsr.eu/p/219092
Even if the hope for final success may seem frail, even illusory, and although Brexit fatigue is increasingly visible and justified, we cannot give up seeking - until the very last moment - a positive solution. #euco
Stop your disinformation
Not sanctions but your war in #Ukraine is preventing shipping and endangering food security.
More than 20 million tonnes of grain blocked by your mines and your war.
We need to stop the war and restore global food supply chains.
From the very beginning, the EU offer has been a Canada+++ deal. Much further-reaching on trade, internal security and foreign policy cooperation. This is a true measure of respect. And this offer remains in place. #brexit
Replying to
Turkey must understand that our main concern is that their actions may lead to another humanitarian catastrophe. And we will never accept that refugees are weaponised and used to blackmail us. President Erdogan’s threats of yesterday are totally out of place.
You did it! Congratulations to Greece and its people on ending the programme of financial assistance. With huge efforts and European solidarity you seized the day.
All of Europe stands with #Barcelona. Our thoughts are with the victims and all affected by this cowardly attack on innocents.
The greatest challenge of our times is how to make politics what it once was: acting and thinking for the common good. Not violence, lies, hate speech, myths and resentment that are the tools of modern politics.
My speech : europa.eu/!Td83mX
#ADF2019
Congratulations to Zuzana #Čaputová on her election as President of Slovakia. A strong vote, at the heart of Europe, for decency in politics, rule of law and tolerance.
There can be no just Europe without an independent Ukraine. There can be no safe Europe without a safe Ukraine. To put it simply: there can be no Europe without Ukraine!
If in London someone assumes that the #Brexit negotiations will deal with other issues first, before moving to the Irish issue, my response would be: Ireland first.
Standing together with PM in New York. We continue looking for how to avoid a disorderly brexit.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Canada is back. Thanks to its courage, decency, wise vision. And thanks to its leader, who with such talent and determination combines a policy of national interest with universal values. It’s good to have Canada on our side. #EUCanadaSummit
Rotterdam destroyed by Nazis. Today w/ Moroccan-born mayor. Anyone seeing fascism there is detached from reality. We are Europeans & proud.
For real friends, this should be obvious: At a time of fake news spreading, meddling in our elections, and attacks on people on our soil with nerve agent, the response must not be transatlantic bickering but transatlantic unity.
I came to celebrate #EuropeDay in #Odesa, the city where Pushkin said that "you can feel Europe."
And where today the Ukrainian people shield their monuments from bullets and rockets and their freedom from Russian aggression.
You are not alone.
The EU stands with you.
No breakthrough. No breakdown. No time to lose. #Brexit
