Overview

• European Council President Charles Michel has announced he will step down early to run in the European Parliament elections in June.
• If a successor is not found by July, Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban could temporarily take over the role, a scenario many EU leaders would want to avoid due to Orban's close ties with Russia and ongoing disputes with the EU.
• Michel's decision has been criticized by some European politicians, including Dutch MEP Sophie in't Veld, who accused him of abandoning his duties.
• The move could potentially impact the EU's geopolitical relationships, including its stance on Ukraine's admission to the bloc and its relationship with China.
• The announcement has also heightened speculation over many top EU jobs which must be decided by November.