EU Leaders' Tension Amplified by Sofagate Incident with Turkish President

The recent encounter between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has highlighted the ongoing tension between the two EU leaders. During a visit to Ankara in 2021, Michel took the only available chair next to Erdogan, leaving von der Leyen to sit on a nearby couch, an incident now infamously known as 'Sofagate.'

The incident was not just a diplomatic faux pas but also a reflection of the deep-seated rivalry between von der Leyen and Michel. Multiple EU diplomats, officials, and national government officials have claimed that Michel is actively trying to undermine von der Leyen's chances of securing a second term as Commission chief. This rivalry has been brewing for some time, with Michel allegedly seeking to position himself for the role of EU foreign policy chief, succeeding Josep Borrell.

Why this matters: The tension between EU leaders has significant implications for the future of European politics and policy-making. If left unchecked, it could lead to power struggles and undermine the EU's ability to respond to global challenges.

Michel's alleged agenda has caused concern among several European countries. Many fear that his actions are driven by personal vendettas rather than a constructive approach to EU leadership. Some member states are particularly worried that Michel might use his influence to exact revenge on von der Leyen, further complicating the already tense relationship between the two leaders, which could impact the first visit to China.

Despite the tension, von der Leyen remains a strong contender for re-election. Her reputation as a crisis manager has been bolstered by her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The European People's Party, to which she belongs, is currently polling ahead of its competitors, positioning her favorably for a second term.

The upcoming EU leadership discussions, set for June 17 and June 27-28, will be pivotal in determining the future of the top positions within the EU. These meetings will address the roles of European Commission president, European Council president, and European Parliament president. With Michel's term ending on December 1 and not being renewable, the dynamics of these discussions are expected to be particularly intriguing, especially in the context of the European election.

The 'Sofagate' incident serves as a vivid illustration of the complex interplay of power and rivalry within the EU's highest echelons. The EU faces internal tensions, and the outcomes of the upcoming leadership discussions will be closely watched, not just within Europe but globally, particularly in the context of China's travel policies.

Key Takeaways

• Tension between EU leaders von der Leyen and Michel affects EU policy-making and global response.
• Michel allegedly undermines von der Leyen's re-election bid to position himself for EU foreign policy chief.
• Von der Leyen remains a strong contender for re-election due to her crisis management reputation.
• Upcoming EU leadership discussions (June 17 and 27-28) will determine top EU positions.
• 'Sofagate' incident highlights power struggles within EU's highest echelons.