“Never allow again”: Von der Leyen draws conclusions from “Sofagate”


“Never allow again”
Von der Leyen draws conclusions from “Sofagate”

After the diplomatic scandal in Ankara, von der Leyen met Michel for the first time and found clear words: She did not put up with treatment like in the “Sofagate” affair again. A “modus vivendi” should prevent such situations in the future. The European Council reacts negatively.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen does not want to accept another treatment like the one at the EU-Turkey meeting last week. In an interview with EU Council President Charles Michel, the President made it clear that she would never allow such a situation again, according to the EU Commission.

Michel explained that such an incident should not be repeated from his point of view. A spokesman announced that the Belgian would once again express his deep regrets at a meeting with representatives of the European Parliament this Tuesday.

At last week’s meeting, a large chair was reserved for Michel next to the Turkish head of state Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Von der Leyen, on the other hand, was assigned a place on a sofa. A video shows how the Commission President initially stops at the beginning of the meeting in the Presidential Office and reacts with an “Um” when Erdogan and Michel sit down on the two armchairs standing next to each other. In the EU Commission, but also in parts of the public, this seating arrangement was perceived as degrading.

The snub from the Leyens in front of the cameras had sparked outrage in Brussels. The Turkish government was faced with allegations of misogyny. But there was also massive criticism of Michel because he did not immediately protest against von der Leyen’s treatment.

Michel shows remorse, but remains determined

In an interview with various European newspapers, the Belgian was remorseful: “I make no secret of the fact that since then I haven’t slept well at night because the scenes in my head keep playing back.” His institution, the Council of Member States, however, also emphasized that the Council President, as the representative of the EU countries, has protocol priority when visiting foreign countries. He and von der Leyen had decided on the spot not to make matters worse with a public scandal.

The Commission denies this interpretation and calls for the presidents of both institutions to be given the same protocol status. A “modus vivendi” should now be found “to avoid such situations in the future,” said a spokesman for von der Leyens. Your team sent a list of five items to Michel’s team.

However, the Council sees “a number of conditions” with the aim of “weakening the European Council”. “The Commission is now taking advantage of this incident,” said a Council representative. Von der Leyen’s spokesman rejected this representation.

Leading MEPs called for a hearing in the plenary session on the incident. On Tuesday, Michel and von der Leyen will first answer questions from the group leaders. According to his spokesman, Michel also wants to use the meeting for an appeal not to allow a split in the EU. A debate in the plenary session of the EU Parliament is also planned.

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