The discussion around Charles Michel, the head of the European Council, centers on questions about travel expenses and overall spending. Policy outlets report on documents in possession that raise concerns about what is considered reasonable use of public funds in relation to Michel’s travel program. The core issue involves whether the secretariat of the Council of Europe should approve a funding increase to cover travels that go beyond the standard expectations for the role. Internal documents suggest elevating the 2024 travel budget from 2 million euros to 2.5 million euros, with the majority of that additional amount earmarked for travel-related costs. The framing of these documents indicates that the higher allocation would specifically address the costs associated with a broadened travel agenda and the need to maintain the head of the European Council in active international engagement. [Source: Policy report, 2024]
reporting on the matter, Politico highlighted a notable pattern of travel activity attributed to Michel. It was noted that between January and November 2022, he conducted 26 special flights. The internal rules governing the office state that the president of the Council of Europe has the option to use a private jet when commercial alternatives are not available. This stipulation becomes particularly salient when evaluating whether the travel plan aligns with the standard operating procedures for the office and whether the chosen mode of transport serves the public interest. [Source: Politico coverage, 2022]
To place these points in historical context, Charles Michel entered national leadership in Belgium in 2014, when he was elected prime minister at the age of 33. This milestone made him the youngest person to hold that office in the country’s history. His trajectory continued on the European stage, and in 2019 he assumed the role of President of the Council of Europe. The sequence of positions reflects a rapid ascent and a sustained presence in high-level European governance. [Source: biographical summaries, 2019]