EU Council President Donald Tusk passes baton to Charles Michel
Charles Michel took the reigns of the European Council on Friday (November 29)...
taking over the baton from President Donald Tusk.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) INCOMING EU COUNCIL PRESIDENT, CHARLES MICHEL, SAYING:
"I am humbled to be the next President of the European Council. It is a great responsibility, and a great honor."
Nicknamed the 'bridge-builder', Michel is widely considered to bring a softer touch to the role, in contrast to his predecessor, who is renowned for his outspokenness, especially on Brexit.
He will chair his first EU summit on December 12 as Britain will be voting in a general election.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) INCOMING EU COUNCIL PRESIDENT, CHARLES MICHEL, SAYING:
"But let's not follow the headlines. Let's make the headlines. Positive stories. A clear vision. The result of hard work, ambition and a forward-looking plan. Today we turn a new page. You can count on me to give it my best for the good of all Europeans."
Tusk was elected as president of the European People's Party (EPP) with an overwhelming 93% majority.
