By Melike PALA
Charles Michel says ambiguity toward partners who do not adhere to rules-based principles also undermines EU's 'soft power'
BRUSSELS
Former European Council president Charles Michel warned Friday that perceived double standards in foreign policy are undermining the European Union's credibility, cautioning against what he described as a "temptation to appease" the US and Israel.
Speaking at the Delphi Economic Forum in Athens, Michel said inconsistencies in applying EU principles risk weakening the bloc's authority on the global stage.
"Double standards are a puzzle that undermine the European credibility and authority. And sometimes, let's be honest, I have the impression that there's a temptation to appease United States, to appease Israel, and to be not far from it arrogant with the rest of the world," he said.
Michel stressed the need for "a more serious and credible approach" to international relations, warning that ambiguity toward partners who do not adhere to rules-based principles damages the EU's soft power and credibility.
On defense, Michel said EU member states must take the lead in shaping security policy and accelerate decisions to strengthen Europe's defense industrial base.
"If we want to make progress in the field of our defense industrial base, that's not possible. We saw clear political decisions made by some of our member states. And I'm convinced that those with the tradition in the field of European defense," he said.
"In my opinion, it's not only about the EU, it's about the European continent. It means a collaboration with the United Kingdom, with Norway, with Türkiye, with Ukraine. Without any doubt," he added.
Michel reiterated his proposal for a "European Security Council," a high-level political body aimed at enabling faster coordination in crises and providing strategic direction for defense cooperation and industry.
Addressing relations with China, he said the EU should pursue a more independent approach, warning that Europe has too often allowed itself to be "instrumentalized" by Washington in its dealings with Beijing.
He argued that Europe must define its own interests, balancing competition with engagement, and warned that in any potential agreement or escalation between the US and China, European priorities may be overlooked.
Michel also reflected on what he described as the EU's past dependencies - on Russian fossil fuels, Chinese manufacturing and US-led security through NATO - saying that model is no longer sustainable.
"That's the end of this model, and we need to address those challenges. We need to be smart We know what we have to do. Let's act and let's act faster," he stressed.
Original article: www.aa.com.tr