The Belgian politician declared his intention to campaign for a seat in the 2024 elections to Belgian press, a decision that's sparking speculation over the future leadership of the European Union. The arrangements for selecting new EU leaders will begin later this year.

While Michel, who also served as Belgium's Prime Minister, has actively led the EU in addressing crises like the Covid pandemic and Russia's Ukraine invasion, he plans to resign in July to serve as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), starting July 16.

Critics, including Dutch MEP Sophie in't Veld, have censured Michel's move, likening it to abandoning his post during turbulent times. She questions his commitment to the EU on the social media platform X, which was once known as Twitter.

The upcoming elections will determine 720 parliamentary seats and are likely to usher in intense negotiations for key EU positions, such as those within the European Commission and the European Council.

Should Michel step down before a successor is chosen, Viktor Orban, Hungary's Prime Minister, who currently maintains strong relations with Russia, would temporarily fulfill the role as per EU protocol, though Michel suggests this could be altered by a majority vote.