Former EU Council Chief Charles Michel Warns Against ‘Double Standards’ in Relations with US and Israel

Former EU Council chief Charles Michel warns that double standards toward the US and Israel erode EU credibility and calls for an independent China policy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 6:00 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Anadolu Agency

The Erosion of European Soft Power

Former European Council President Charles Michel has issued a sharp critique of the European Union’s current foreign policy trajectory, warning that the bloc is at risk of losing its global authority. Addressing the Delphi Economic Forum in Athens on Friday, Michel argued that the perception of "double standards" has become a central puzzle that erodes the EU’s soft power. He specifically noted a growing tendency within Brussels to adopt an accommodative stance toward Washington and Tel Aviv while maintaining a more critical or "arrogant" posture toward the rest of the world. According to Michel, this inconsistency makes it increasingly difficult for the EU to champion a rules-based international order on the global stage.

A New Architecture for Continental Defense

In response to the shifting security landscape, Michel reiterated his call for the establishment of a "European Security Council." This proposed high-level political body would serve as a strategic hub for rapid crisis coordination and the synchronization of defense industries. Crucially, Michel emphasized that European security can no longer be defined solely by the borders of the European Union. He advocated for a structured collaboration that includes the United Kingdom, Norway, Türkiye, and Ukraine. By integrating these key regional powers into a single defense industrial base, Michel believes Europe can finally develop the "strategic autonomy" necessary to shoulder its own security responsibilities.

Rejecting Geopolitical Instrumentalization

Regarding the EU’s relationship with Beijing, Michel warned that Europe has frequently allowed itself to be "instrumentalized" by the United States. He argued that the bloc must pursue a more independent path that defines European interests separately from the ongoing Sino-American competition. Michel cautioned that in any eventual de-escalation or agreement between the U.S. and China, European priorities are likely to be sidelined unless Brussels adopts a more proactive and self-interested stance. This independent approach would involve balancing economic competition with diplomatic engagement, rather than strictly following Washington’s lead.