English

Charles Michel, former European COuncil President

Video. 'Lack of focus': Michel slams von der Leyen for 'very slow' progress

Updated: 16/09/2026 - 13:29 GMT+2

Speaking ahead of European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen's speech before parliament, ex-Council President Charles Michel told Euronews that she has failed to rise to the occasion of the EU's challenges.

Read full article

Top stories

Now playing Next

Von der Leyen gives key State of the Union amid mounting challenges

Now playing Next

Latest news bulletin | September 16th, 2026 – Midday

Now playing Next

Von der Leyen gives key State of the Union amid mounting challenges

Now playing Next

From nail hammering to drilling, Japan’s new robots push physical AI forward

Now playing Next

Iran war has cost the US more than $38 billion so far, says Congressional Budget Office

Now playing Next

Ed Sheeran's support acts quit US tour after Macklemore dropped for pro-Palestinian comments

Now playing Next

Surge in Yemen violence ends ceasefire and drives mass displacement

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

More from Europe Today

Europe Today

Von der Leyen will deliver an 'inspirational message' in annual speech, EU vice-president says

Europe Today

EU has 'the power' to lead on 'global treaty on AI', says MEP Brando Benifei

Europe Today

Europe Today: Trump claims Russia-Ukraine energy truce as AI slowdown rattles markets

Europe Today

'Nobody can be weak', says Latvian Prime Minister over Russia threats

Latest video

USA

US plans to send bombs to Israel in $2.8 billion weapons deal

Europe News

Canada, heatwaves, AI and Ceuta: Von der Leyen delivers State of the Union

Health news

Increase in air pollution takes a toll on your sleep

Europe News

Belarus launches drills near Suwalki Gap on Polish and Lithuanian borders

USA

NBC news helicopter crash kills at least three in Los Angeles while reporters covered car accident

No Comment

Russia stages early voting in occupied Ukraine ahead of national election

No Comment

At least 150 pro-LGBTQ protesters detained in Istanbul crackdown

Europe News

US threatens EU with retaliation over European preference in EU budget

ADVERTISEMENT

Qatar

Losing access to Bab el-Mandeb would be 'catastrophic for the entire world,' Qatar warns

No Comment

Romanian farmers clash with police in Bucharest over EU livestock ban

Sport

World Athletics chief Seb Coe: 'We stand firm against Russian athletes taking part'

Europe News

Watch: Aftermath of NATO jets' downing of drone in Lithuania

Silk Road Adventures

Inside an Uzbek wedding: traditions, family and the start of married life

World

Europe’s fake pesticide crisis: inside a $20 billion illegal trade

United Arab Emirates

Escalation is 'on the way' but region must keep calm, Syria's al-Sharaa tells Euronews

Europe News

Prominent Greek neo-Nazi exits prison and says he will return to politics

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT