Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002399/2025/rev.1
to the Council
Rule 144
Marieke Ehlers (PfE), Sebastian Kruis (PfE)
On 8 May 2025, former President of the European Council Charles Michel was officially appointed Distinguished Professor at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), a university that is established and managed by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, and therefore falls under the influence of the Chinese Communist Party.
Unlike former European Commissioners, a former president of the European Council is not subject to a ‘cooling-off period’, but merely needs the approval of their successor. According to media reports, President Costa approved the appointment without consulting or even informing the Council of his decision.
- 1.Can the Council confirm that it was neither consulted nor informed about this sensitive appointment, especially in times of escalating trade tensions with China?
- 2.Even though cooling-off periods do not apply to former presidents of the European Council, is this appointment not detrimental to the reputation of the Council and its commitment to human rights, the rule of law and de-risking and decoupling from China?
- 3.Why does the Council not impose cooling-off periods on former presidents of the European Council, by analogy with the rules applicable to European Commissioners?
Submitted: 13.6.2025