News about Charles Michel

Sir Keir Starmer today vowed to 'make Brexit work' and put the UK-EU relationship on a 'stable, positive footing' as he arrived in Brussels for talks with top Eurocrats. After greeting European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, the PM said there was a 'duty' for the UK and EU to work together in 'dangerous times'. As well as talks with Ms Von der Leyen, Sir Keir was also due to hold meetings with European Council chief Charles Michel and the European Parliament's Roberta Metsola. The PM has vowed to 'reset' Britain's relationship with the EU and is seeking closer ties with Brussels, although he has pledged not to rejoin the bloc's single market or customs union. But Sir Keir is under pressure to make concessions on free movement rules, migration, and fishing rights.

Millions of Brits will be assembling what they believe is the perfect whopper today, in celebration of National Burger Day. While meat and cheese are common choices, the addition of other ingredients can prove seriously controversial among households. To settle the debate once and for all, scientists have revealed the formula for the perfect burger. From the arrangement of the fillings and even how to eat it, a forensic approach to this beloved fast food can maximise enjoyment, they believe. They say you should include one very unusual component - although this kitchen cupboard staple may send burger purists into a fury.

Hungary's Prime Minister has said Donald Trump is ready to act 'immediately' as a peace broker in Ukraine if he is elected and that the EU must accept talks with Russia and China to end the war. In a letter addressed to European Council President Charles Michel and shared with all EU leaders, PM Viktor Orban highlighted the former US Prime Minister already has 'detailed plans' for Russia-Ukraine peace talks. 'I can (...) surely state that shortly after his election victory, he will not wait until his inauguration, (Trump) will be ready to act as a peace broker immediately. He has detailed and well-founded plans for this,' Orban wrote. The letter was drafted after Orban held talks with presidential candidate Trump in Florida after the NATO summit last week as well as with the leaders of Ukraine, Russia and China, on a self-styled 'peace mission' that sparked criticism among EU member states. But following Orban's statement, questions about the level of US support for Ukraine began to arise after Trump selected Ohio Senator JD Vance , 39, as his running mate on July 15.

World leaders have begun congratulating Keir Starmer on the Labour party 's victory in the general election. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed both Starmer, and Angela Rayner as his deputy, taking up the reins of power, saying that they share 'very similar views' with his own government. Meanwhile Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared a triumphant response to the news, labelling it a 'historic UK election victory'. 'Lots of work ahead to build a more progressive, fair future for people on both sides of the Atlantic,' he said. 'Let's get to it, my friend.'

The two have been bitter rivals ever since 'sofagate' (left), which saw von der Leyen being left without a chair at a meeting between Turkey and the European Union to discuss women's rights. She had to sit down on a nearby sofa instead. Now Michel (top right) has proposed to exclude von der Leyen (bottom right) from a meeting between EU leaders and heads of member states next week, in which they will discuss who should take the top jobs at the helm of the EU following the elections. The European Council president said von der Leyen should be banned from attending the talks as she is hoping for a second term, the Telegraph reports. While the commission's president is usually included in council talks, von der Leyen vying for a second stint in office makes the situation unprecedented as no other sitting commission president has attempted this in the past.

Mass protests against the law have swept the South Caucasus nation of 3.7 million in recent weeks, with the latest violent clash between demonstrators and police happening outside the parliament in Tbilisi today. Footage shows demonstrators attempting to break through the barriers outside the government building as hundreds of police officers storm out and roughly drag people wrapped in Georgian flags away from the barriers. A violent brawl also erupted inside the parliament as lawmakers were debating the bill earlier today before it was approved. Georgian Dream MP Dimitry Samkharadze was seen charging toward Levan Khabeishvili, the chairman of main opposition party United National Movement, after Khabeishvili accused him of organising mobs to beat up opposition supporters.

Israel launched deadly strikes on war-torn Gaza on Sunday that claimed the lives of two doctors, after it expanded an evacuation order for Rafah. Gaza's civil defence agency said the two medics were killed in the central town of Deir al-Balah after heavy gunfire from Israeli helicopters was reported near the city. The strikes come as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged an immediate ceasefire, a return of hostages, and a 'surge' in humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian territory. 'I repeat my call, the world's call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and an immediate surge in humanitarian aid,' Guterres said in a video address to an international donors' conference in Kuwait. 'But a ceasefire will only be the start. It will be a long road back from the devastation and trauma of this war', he added.

Video (left), captured by a person inside a car driving down a road - purportedly in Tehran, shows hundreds of cars in a traffic jam going in the opposite direction. According to social media profiles sharing the video, the cars seen in the queue are waiting to get into a petrol station, preparing to flee the Iranian capital. This comes amid fears that Israel could strike back against the Islamic Republic after Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles on Saturday night. Israel said 99 percent of the projectiles were shot down before reaching their targets. However, calls are mounting in the Jewish State for a strong response.

The pictures were published by Macron's official photographer Sazig de la Moissonniere and depict the French leader in a boxing gym yesterday, where he flexed his muscles as he collided his muscles as he struck a punching bag. Following military experts' comments that he will lead NATO as a 'Napoleon,' Macron aimed to show his fighting spirit and tenacity.' Macron's cringe-worthy portrayal of strength with the boxing photos resembles Russian President Putin's earlier published photographs of him thrashes an adversary in Judo, playing ice hockey, or riding horseless on a horse. The photos came as a result of Macron's repeated warnings that sending Western ground troops into Ukraine should not be 'ruled out' and that European politicians should not be 'cowards' when it comes to Ukraine's defense.

According to Palestinian health officials, at least 100 people were killed in the attack last Thursday, the majority of which were fired by Israeli forces, with some estimating the number of dead and wounded as high as 1,000. Israeli officials have denied the allegations and the death toll, but no estimates have been given. They said that "several people" were killed as troops opened fire on civilians in the aftermath of the massacre. Israel's Defence Forces said they had 'concluded an initial investigation,' and that civilians had been 'trampled to death and wounded as they charged to the humanitarian convoy,' adding that "no strike was carried out by the IDF's toward it.'

The EU's two top leaders were'shocked' and "deeply distraught" by the deaths of more than 100 Palestinians after Israeli troops opened fire during an aid delivery and demanded an investigation, according to the EU's two top officials on Friday. Other countries such as Germany and France have also called for an investigation

Yuliya Navalnaya said today in a defiant and emotional address at the Munich Security Conference: "I don't know if you believe the fright news we received - just from Russian state sources." Because we haven't been able to believe Putin and his administration for many years, they will always lie. However, if it's true, I want Putin, his entire crew, and all of his relatives to know that if they have done to our country, my family, and my husband. ' That day will come very soon.' Navalny's death was reported by Russian news outlets this afternoon, blaming the Siberian prison service in which he was serving his sentence, but giving no reason or further details. Global opinion and outrage erupted, with world leaders and commentators pointing the finger at the Kremlin.

'Those who do not believe in democracy are watching,' and if the Russian invasion succeeds, military Secretary Grant Shapps said,'regimes that do not believe in democracy are on alert,' and if the Russian invasion succeeds, they will be emboldened. Mr Shapps, who traveled to Washington, D.C. this week, warned that Britons are now'living in more dangerous times.' Despite growing fears of a wider conflict, army recruitment more than doubled last month, although he denied the possibility of conscription.

On the £55 million Black Sea missile ship Ivanovets, footage posted by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence demonstrated how its unmanned seafaring vessels bore down. Multiple drones off annexed Crimea and sunk the 184ft warship after sustaining major hull damage. When it was attacked, Ivanovets was on sea lake Donuzlav, a bay in Crimea used for military vessels. The crew's fate, which was resisted the attack and shot at the drones, is unknown. Neither the Russian Ministry of Defence nor the Navy have reported the attack, but a slew of pro-war military channels on Telegram have corroborated Ukrainian reports.

Despite threats from Hungary to veto the agreement, European Council President Charles Michel said the 27 EU countries sealed the deal just over an hour into a summit of the bloc's leaders.

Despite threats from Hungary's president Viktor Orban to veto the move, European Council President Charles Michel said the 27 EU countries sealed the agreement just over an hour into a summit of the bloc's leaders. In a X article formerly known as Twitter, Michel said, 'We have a deal.' All '27 leaders agreed on an extra 50-billion-euro ($54 billion) funding package for Ukraine,' according to He. Despite persistent resistance from Hungary in December and the days leading up to Thursday's summit in Brussels, the announcement was made.

President Charles Michel (right, far right) announced the decision to begin formal accession negotiations as a "strong sign of hope for their people and the continent." On X, Volodymyr Zelensky (left and right center) said: "This is a victory for Ukraine." For the rest of Europe, it was a triumph. A win that motivates, inspires, and expands.' According to a European diplomatic source, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban had decided not to be present in the room when the other leaders reached a consensus decision, and Orban said he had abstained. Orban denounced 'completely senseless, irrational, and wrong decision,' in a video shared on social media, but claimed that "26 other countries have demanded that this decision be taken." Orban may have called off the summit if he had opted for his veto, but he resigned just one day after the European Commission deactivated 10 billion euros (£8.6 billion) in frozen funds for Hungary. Orban brought his argument to the forefront,' Leo Varadkar, Ireland's prime minister, said.

Rishi Sunak dismissed rumors that the UK's standing had been "diminished" by a rethinking of the government's net zero policy, saying the country could'walk tall," according to Rishi Sunak. At the gathering this morning, however, Mr Sunak was left languish at the back of the 'family photo' of leaders, behind Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. King Charles, the country's head of state, was in the front row alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The monarch will give a keynote address on the environment, a topic he has championed for decades. Ursula von der Leyen, the EU commission's president, and European Council President Charles Michel were more prominently placed in the middle.

Israel retaliated with full rage after Hamas' brutal surprise attack on Israel on October 7, which killed 1400 people, triggering an incessant bombing campaign in Gaza that has killed thousands of Palestinians, in turn. Almost two weeks after the massacres, Israel's Defence Forces (IDF) have massed tens of thousands of troops, tanks, and heavy armour along the Gaza border, ahead of what appears to be a complete ground assault on the Palestinian enclave. Israeli forces engaged with Hezbollah, who have also launched rockets at Israel's towns. And now in Yemen, Houthi rebels have begun firing missiles of their own, causing a US warship to blast the missiles out of the sky.

Not for the first time, Brussels has been shaken by an Islamic State fanatic's terror atrocity. Two Swedish football supporters who had been out enjoying their night in the Belgian capital were murdered by a gunman with a manual rifle. Abdesalem Lassoued (left), 45, who is thought to have been an asylum seeker of Tunisian origins, was shot and killed by police in a café in the Schaerbeek area the next day, prompting an intense overnight manhunt. Following the 2016 Brussels bombings, the neighborhood came into sharper focus, and it is just a stones throw away from Molenbeek, another area marred by terrorist activity.

In a brutal brawl (left) by Turkish Cypriots who had bulldozed UN vehicles out of the way during illegal construction work in ethically divided Cyprus, a British peacekeepers were beaten and shoved (left). In a horrifically violent scene, a dramatic video shows the British soldiers being punched in the head, kicked to the ground, and shoved by the angry crowd of Turkish Cypriots. They are dealt with more blows to their heads and bodies as the peacekeepers continue to draw backwards with their hands raised in an attempt to shield themselves. Three British soldiers were rushed to hospital, one of whom had a broken nose, and three others for a violent assault. The assault happened on Friday, when peacekeepers parked cars and linked arms to discourage Turkish Cypriot crews from building an unauthorised road in eastern Cyprus, which is about 120 miles long. Greek Cypriots see the road building, which will link the mixed Greek Cypriot-Turkish Cypriot village of Pyla and the village of Arsos in the breakaway Turkish Cypriot North, as a move with a military purpose at a vulnerable spot along the buffer zone. In the south, where the internationally recognised government is based, the road will scythe through the zone, which aims to avoid conflict between Turkish Cypriots in the north and Greek Cypriots. An interesting video showed how Turkish Cypriots - some of whom were reportedly military or police officers in plain clothes - smashed and pulled UN vehicles off the road.

President Zelensky (in Greece right) met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (together inset), and also met with country's figurehead president Katerina Sakellaropoulou. He is also expected to attend an informal dinner, hosted by Mr Mitsotakis, for top officials from nine Balkan countries, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (left) and European Council President Charles Michel. It comes after Denmark and the Netherlands announced on Sunday that they would sell warplanes to Kyiv, which may be delivered before the year's end. Mr Zelensky and his partner Olena Zelenska are photographed left at Copenhagen's Danish Parliament Christiansborg.

On a long line, Ukrainians walked along Kreshchatyk Street in the heart of Kyiv today, marveling at the charred shells of armoured assault vehicles and other bits of hardware organized in a long line similar to a military parade of the dead. Locals expressed delight with the shattered Russian equipment on display, as well as the Ukrainians' hope that it would restore the fighting spirit. The parade takes place on Ukraine's second wartime Independence Day. On Thursday, Moscow, which celebrates 32 years of post-Soviet unification, will descend on Moscow, exactly 18 months after Russia announced a full-scale invasion of its southern neighbor.

The assault took place as peacekeepers parked their vehicles and linked arms to discourage crews from constructing a road connecting the village of Arsos in the breakaway Turkish Cypriot north of Pyla with the mixed Greek Cypriot-Turkish Cypriot village of Pyla. The road construction is seen as a step with a military motive at a critical point along the 120-mile buffer zone. The road will scythe through the zone, which is designed to avoid conflict between Turkish Cypriots in the north and Greek Cypriots in the south, where the internationally recognised government is seated. A shocking video footage showed how Turkish Cypriots, some of whom were allegedly military or police officers in plain clothes, used bulldozers, diggers, and tractors to smash and drag UN vehicles away from the planned route. Some were seen punching and shoving the peacekeepers who were trying to hold building crews back, but did not respond with force.