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Europe Today: Exclusive interview with Charles Michel, former European Council President
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Tune in to Euronews' new flagship morning programme, Europe Today, at 8 am Brussels time. In just 15 minutes, we bring you up to speed on the biggest news of the day.
READ MORE : http://www.euronews.com/2026/01/30/europe-today-exclusive-interview-with-charles-michel-former-european-council-president
Subscribe to our channel. Euronews is available on Dailymotion in 12 languages
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00:00You
00:05You
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00:15Good morning. It's Friday the 30th of January. I'm Maret Gwynn.
00:20This is Europe Today, your daily fix of European news and analysis.
00:25Live here on your news coming up on today's show with Russia.
00:30Russia and Ukraine set to resume peace talks in Abu Dhabi over the weekend.
00:35The EU's foreign policy chief says Moscow is not taking negotiations serious.
00:40After yesterday's meeting of EU foreign ministers, Kaya Callas also...
00:45...accused the Kremlin of weaponizing winter by pounding Ukraine's energy...
00:50...network and said the EU could consider an entry ban on Russian soldiers...
00:55...who fought in Ukraine.
00:57Joining me now on set to debrief...
01:00...is our EU editor, Maria Tadeo. Morning, Maria. Great to have you.
01:04Good morning. Great to see you.
01:05Keles, bring us up to speed now on the latest because it looks like Ukraine is facing a really, really tough situation.
01:10Well, it is probably the most difficult winter for Ukraine since the war started, of course.
01:15There's been now a weather alert that suggests that temperatures will drop significantly in which...
01:20...we're going to talk about minus 20 degrees potentially going all the way to minus 30 degrees.
01:25We're going to talk about minus 20 degrees potentially going all the way to minus 30 degrees.
01:25...is the situation even more difficult because the war after four years, the energy infrastructure...
01:30...has been severely damaged. Of course, we've talked and reported many times...
01:35...on...
01:35this network about the very difficult, not just war frontline situation, but really humanity.
01:40And when it comes to the blackouts that can go on for hours, the impact on the electricity.
01:45And the heat in minus 20 degrees and no heat in.
01:48Obviously, it's a very difficult situation.
01:50On that note, yesterday, Kaya Kahlo said that she believes.
01:55The Russians are not serious about the negotiations.
01:57We know there's a number of documents that have been put on the table.
02:00Conversations and talks that are going on between the US, Russia, the European Union and Ukraine.
02:05We talk about this idea of the prosperity plan, the reconstruction of Ukraine all the way to 2040.
02:09But obviously, all of the.
02:10This is underpinned by the final peace settlement.
02:12And that still looks very, very far away.
02:15This brings up, however, a very uncomfortable question for Kaya Kahlo, which is.
02:20Why are the Europeans not directly involved?
02:22Is there a way that Europe can have a bigger say?
02:25We are now seeing tensions within the 27, some of which suggest Kaya Kahlo cannot do it.
02:30We need to bring up someone, someone else to talk to the Russians.
02:33Let's take a look at those.
02:35We need to bring up some different opinions.
02:36We need to talk with them if we want a solution.
02:39If we.
02:40Can't talk to them, we won't find a solution.
02:41And if if I was too small to do it, if then the president.
02:45Or someone else is able to represent Europe because they don't want to talk to Kaya Kahlo.
02:50We can't be the demanders here that.
02:55You know, we go to Russia, talk to us.
02:57The concessions that the Americans are putting.
03:00And Ukraine are quite strong.
03:03So I don't think there is anything.
03:05That we can offer to Russia on top of that.
03:10Divided opinions there, Maria.
03:12There was also consensus yesterday on listing Iran.
03:15Iran's revolutionary guard as a terrorist organization.
03:18Yeah, of course, our European officials briefed.
03:20This is really the killing machine of the regime.
03:22And this is in response to this very violent crackdown.
03:25That took place at the start of the month on the streets of Iran when the protests are really.
03:30Ultimately, the French, the Spanish and the Italians agreed to designate them.
03:35As a terrorist group, there had been concerns that this is why this decision took about.
03:40Two weeks to get finally sealed and approved by the French and certainly also the Spanish.
03:45That A, there is a hostage situation in Iran.
03:47So there was a concern about the well-being of nationals.
03:50And European citizens who are still in the country.
03:52But also there was a concern that this could really come.
03:55Completely now cut off all diplomatic channels.
03:57It was interesting yesterday to hear from Kayakala saying that.
04:00This, this new designation as a terrorist group, had been, quote, a calculated risk, but also pointed.
04:05To the idea that the channels with the foreign ministry still remain.
04:08Maria, thank you for that.
04:09We'll be keeping an eye on.
04:10That story, of course, throughout the day.
04:11But coming up next, I'll be joined by former European Council.
04:15President Charles Michel.
04:16He served for five years in the top Brussels.
04:20And steered EU leaders' response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
04:25Ukraine in 2022.
04:26He has also served as the prime minister.
04:30of Belgium before becoming the European Council president.
04:34And I'm very, very.
04:35very happy to say that he joins us now in our studio in Brussels.
04:39So.
04:40Welcome back to Euronews.
04:41Great to have you.
04:42Good morning.
04:43Listen, we heard from Kayakala.
04:45Tell us they're resisting this pressure coming from Maloney, Macron for the EU.
04:50to engage directly in talks with Russia.
04:52Do you think it's the right moment?
04:53I think it's the right moment.
04:55Macron and Maloney, they're right to say we need to be around the table because.
05:00Today, that's very sad.
05:01That's even a bit shocking.
05:03Who is defending the European?
05:05European interests around the table, not the United States, not Russia.
05:09And I think that.
05:10Ukraine and the EU, we have the same goals.
05:13We want more stability.
05:15We want peace.
05:16We want security.
05:17And I think it would be legitimate if there is.
05:20a way to make sure that our European interests are better defended.
05:25But who can go to those talks?
05:27Who can stand up to Putin?
05:28Is it Kayakala's?
05:29Because many leaders say.
05:30She can't do it.
05:31Yeah, I think that the European Council has a special role to play.
05:35Because that's a very legitimate body with 27 head of state, head of government.
05:40And that's, I think, a debate for the European Council.
05:43And I'm confident that sooner or later.
05:45The European Council can give a mandate to someone.
05:48It can be to the point of the European.
05:50The European Council, Antonio Costa, for instance, to be the one who has the legitimacy to talk.
05:55On behalf of the 27 member states.
05:56Yet calls in this town this week from some.
06:00Quarters on the EU to consider merging the roles of the Council Chief and the Commission.
06:05Is that something you'd support?
06:06Do we need a president of the EU?
06:07Look, this is a traditional...
06:10debate and the day there will be a direct election.
06:15of the European representatives of the European institutions, then that's a legitimate...
06:20debate and question.
06:22But, you know, my impression is the following.
06:25The European Union is based on a double legitimacy.
06:27The member states, on the one hand, and on the other...
06:30The European Parliament and the Commission with a certain role to defend the...
06:35Well, the European interest.
06:36And I feel, whatever we do in terms of institutions, we will...
06:40We have always to take into account this double reality.
06:43You had harsh words for the...
06:45to Chief Mark Rutter earlier this week.
06:47Do you think he's smooth-talking Trump too much?
06:50You say that Europe is able to defend itself.
06:52I want to be clear.
06:53Mark Rutter is disappointed.
06:55I don't think, and I'm losing confidence.
06:57Why?
06:57Because I'm not expecting Mark Rutter to...
07:00to be an American agent and expecting Mark Rutter to work for the unity within NATO.
07:05Today, we can see that Article 5 is put in danger.
07:09Why?
07:09Because...
07:10Because of this very hostile rhetoric developed within the United States, developed by the...
07:15White House, point one, we face intimidations, we face threats.
07:19What is going...
07:20On with Greenland is not acceptable, and I expect Mark Rutter to be...
07:25Australian vote to defend the unity within NATO.
07:28But how, if you were in his shoes, what...
07:30What should Europe do?
07:30How can it stand up to Trump?
07:32It's very clear that appeasement will not work.
07:35Flattering diplomacy will lead to a failure, to a total failure.
07:39The more...
07:40You use this flattering diplomacy, the more we are observing the United States...
07:45are going very far in this tactic of intimidation and threats against...
07:50their allies, and the EU is a very loyal partner and ally for the United States.
07:55That's why we do not deserve this behaviour.
07:58We can see, for instance, the...
08:00Ambiguities coming from the United States with Russia, the way Donald Trump decided to...
08:05If legitimacy to Vladimir Putin, we can see some sanctions against...
08:10The former EU commission, that's not acceptable.
08:12Finally, on Ukraine, very briefly, if you can, President Zelensky...
08:15Zelensky says the country should join the EU by 2027.
08:18Is that feasible?
08:18He's absolutely right.
08:20And that's possible.
08:21The situation of political will, the Ukrainians are making a lot of...
08:25progress in terms of criteria that have to be fulfilled to join...
08:30the EU, and everything must be done to help them, to support them, and I think...
08:35that Ukraine, being a member of the EU, it should take place as...
08:40as fast as possible.
08:41Shaq Misha, that's all we have time for.
08:43Thank you so much for coming to join us.
08:45On set this morning.
08:46See you again soon, we hope.
08:48Now we're moving on to another hot button.
08:50It's a geopolitical issue now.
08:51It's been nearly one month since the US ordered the capture of Venezuela's...
08:55Nicolás Maduro.
08:56Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this week that the US...
09:00is committed to democratic transition in the country.
09:03I'm pleased to say that joining us live from Madrid...
09:05is Leopoldo Lopez, a figurehead of Venezuela's opposition forces.
09:10Welcome, it's great to have you with us.
09:12Let us start with the recent US...
09:15intervention in Venezuela.
09:17You fought for years for democracy and freedom.
09:20in the country.
09:20Is the US helping your cause here?
09:24Well, thank you very much.
09:25I can tell you that we are much better off than what we were on January 6th.
09:30The second Venezuelans, we have done for decades everything to have them...
09:35democracy in our country.
09:36We have taken the streets, not once, but thousands of times.
09:39We have gone to...
09:40elections and these elections have been stolen.
09:42We have engaged in 16 rounds.
09:45of negotiations with all sorts of mediators from the Vatican to ex-presidents...
09:50to Norway and it all led to the same position where Maduro...
09:55only use those negotiations to buy time and to manipulate.
09:59So we are...
10:00much better off with the removal of Nicolas Maduro.
10:03We are not where we want to be.
10:05We want to be in a fully and total democratic Venezuela and we understand...
10:10that this is a transition and that's what we need to push for.
10:13Because the figureheads of the Maduro regime...
10:15we are talking about Delcy RodrĂguez, Teostado Cabello are still in power...
10:20in Caracas.
10:21Is the US really interested in free and fair elections or...
10:25do you think they will settle for a soft democracy if it serves their commercial interests?
10:30Well, I can tell you that the Venezuelan people are set to be in a democratic Venezuela.
10:35We've been fighting for this for, as I said, over two decades and we will continue to do so.
10:40That's the aspiration of the Venezuelan people, the Venezuelan democratic leadership.
10:45And the US has committed to democracy and not in the very, very short term.
10:50There is a transition that has started mostly on the economic realm.
10:55But we need to push for democracy.
10:57That's our responsibility and that's what...
11:00what we will do.
11:01We expect a process that will lead us to...
11:05a general election that will give the Venezuelan people the voice.
11:10to who will govern the country.
11:13That's what we hope for.
11:14That's what...
11:15we'll fight for.
11:16And are you hoping for, for example, the return of Maria Corina Machado or...
11:20would you be able to contemplate returning to Venezuelan politics if the...
11:25the US does guarantee this transition?
11:27No, absolutely.
11:28Absolutely.
11:29There are...
11:30thousands, I would say hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans that will be willing to return...
11:35at the political level.
11:36Okay.
11:37Yes, we hope to return as soon as possible.
11:40Okay.
11:40to Venezuela and to contribute to the rebuilding of our country.
11:43Yes.
11:44Leopold de Lopeta so we have...
11:45we have time for, I'm afraid.
11:46But thank you so much.
11:47It was a pleasure to have you with us this morning.
11:49Next up, we're moving...
11:50moving to space.
11:51Is the EU getting ahead in the space race?
11:54Our report...
11:55Jakob Janis takes a look.
12:00Let's clear the air.
12:01When you hear EU space industry, you think...
12:05of bureaucracy, not rockets.
12:07And honestly, I can't blame you.
12:10This week, your reporter took part in the European Space Conference to verify it.
12:15So is the EU that far behind in the space race?
12:19Let's take a look.
12:20Meet Copernicus, Europe's eyes in the sky.
12:25It is the invisible infrastructure that powers your weather up and sp...
12:30hot the storms before they even hit.
12:33And meet Galileo, the EU's...
12:35navigator.
12:36It connects your bank and your phone.
12:38And it's the only thing ensured...
12:40ensuring that when a geopolitical crisis explodes, the EU is not relying...
12:45on Washington to tell Europeans where they are...
12:48and meet the new kids...
12:50govs.com
12:51because space is now a dogfight.
12:54The EU...
12:55finally has an encrypted shield for European leaders and the military to protect...
13:00secrets from cyber attacks.
13:02But here is what Eurospace is now...
13:05not.
13:06It isn't Starlink or SpaceX.
13:08While Elon Musk...
13:10illuminates the sky with thousands of satellites.
13:13Europe is still playing catch-up.
13:15And the EU's alternative, iris squared, won't be flying until...
13:202029.
13:21So can the EU compete with the US?
13:25and China.
13:26The talent is here...
13:27but the speed...
13:28not quite.
13:30Europeans are missing Silicon Valley's private capital and European...
13:35prevention fans are too scared to bet on exploding rockets.
13:39And while China...
13:40and the US are shooting for the moon this year...
13:43Brussels is still filling...
13:45out their paperwork.
13:46And hard work is ahead...
13:48in this era of hard work...
13:50in this era of hard work...
13:51can the EU be seen from space?
13:53Because for now...
13:54all I can...
13:55see is the Great Wall of China...
13:57and obviously...
13:58Trump's ego.
14:00Yeah.
14:05pianist there. And that brings this edition of Europe Today to an end. Thank you for your
14:09company throughout the week.
14:10We'll be back with more news and analysis on Monday morning. Have a great weekend.
14:15Bye.
14:20Bye.
14:25Bye.
14:30Bye.
14:35Bye.
14:40Bye.
14:45Bye.
14:50Bye.
14:55Bye.
15:00Bye.
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