“Not ready for reality”: Weber sees EU problem in “Sofagate” incident

Tuesday 13 April 2021

“Not ready for reality”
Weber sees the problem of the European Union in the “Sofagate” incident

Following the diplomatic nuisance in Ankara, EPP boss Weber sharply criticized von der Leen, chairman of the European Union Commission, and Council boss Michel: One expects unity from top politicians, particularly against the autocrats. As far as foreign policy is concerned, however, the European Union generally has some hold.

CSU European politician Manfred Weber has criticized the presence of EU leaders on his recent Turkish tour. This is another warning sign that the EU’s foreign policy is not ready for the hard realities, the European People’s Party (EPP) group leader said after the meeting of EU parliamentary leaders.

Weber said that unity is expected from the top politicians representing the European Union in the world. “Especially when you are dealing with autocrats and dictators – politicians who feed conflict rather than compromise – the EU needs to be strong and united under all circumstances.”

The head of the European Union Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Charles Michel met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last week and promised him close cooperation. There was excitement about the seating arrangement in the meeting: Erdogan only offered Michel a chair next to him, von der Leyen had to sit side-by-side on the couch and seemed cheated. Michel and von der Leyen reported on top of the European Union’s parliament on Tuesday.

Council President Michelle on probation?

Mitchell is criticized because he accepted the requirements of seating arrangements during public appearances and did not advocate equal treatment by Der Leyens. According to the European Union Commission, Michel von der Leyen has now made it clear that he will never allow such a situation again. Michelle regretted it.

The incident in Ankara cast doubt on Mitchell’s suitability as the council’s chairman, said Martin Skidern, leader of the leftist parliamentary group. “Michelle is really on trial for me. In terms of foreign policy, they let Erdogan pull himself in.”