Charles Michel Slams NATO Chief: “Rutte Acts Like a U.S. Agent”
World
Former President of the European Council Charles Michel has sharply criticized NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, accusing him of acting like a “U.S. agent” instead of strengthening unity within the alliance. He made the remarks in an interview with Euronews on January 30.
Michel said he was disappointed with Rutte’s actions and was losing trust in him. According to the former EU Council president, he expected the NATO chief to serve as a unifying leader rather than showing excessive loyalty to the U.S. administration.
He warned that so-called “flattery diplomacy” toward U.S. President Donald Trump would not work and could lead to a “complete failure.” Michel described U.S. pressure and threats — particularly regarding Greenland — as unacceptable.
Rutte has earned a reputation as a close interlocutor of Trump and drew attention after discussions surrounding a framework deal on Greenland amid threats of new U.S. tariffs on several EU countries.
Michel stressed that the European Union remains a loyal partner of the United States but does not deserve such treatment. He also criticized Washington’s attempts to legitimize Russian President Vladimir Putin and referred to U.S. sanctions imposed on former EU commissioner Thierry Breton.
Commenting on the war in Ukraine, Michel said Europe must be directly represented at any future peace negotiations. He noted that neither the United States nor Russia currently represents European interests at the negotiating table.
As a possible EU envoy, Michel named the new President of the European Council, António Costa, citing his legitimacy to speak on behalf of all 27 EU member states.
Michel also supported Ukraine’s goal of joining the European Union by 2027, calling it realistic and urging faster integration of Kyiv into the EU.
He warned that so-called “flattery diplomacy” toward U.S. President Donald Trump would not work and could lead to a “complete failure.” Michel described U.S. pressure and threats — particularly regarding Greenland — as unacceptable.
Rutte has earned a reputation as a close interlocutor of Trump and drew attention after discussions surrounding a framework deal on Greenland amid threats of new U.S. tariffs on several EU countries.
Michel stressed that the European Union remains a loyal partner of the United States but does not deserve such treatment. He also criticized Washington’s attempts to legitimize Russian President Vladimir Putin and referred to U.S. sanctions imposed on former EU commissioner Thierry Breton.
Commenting on the war in Ukraine, Michel said Europe must be directly represented at any future peace negotiations. He noted that neither the United States nor Russia currently represents European interests at the negotiating table.
As a possible EU envoy, Michel named the new President of the European Council, António Costa, citing his legitimacy to speak on behalf of all 27 EU member states.
Michel also supported Ukraine’s goal of joining the European Union by 2027, calling it realistic and urging faster integration of Kyiv into the EU.
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