European Council President Donald Tusk has handed over the reins to his successor Charles Michel, as the European Union completes a change of leadership following EU-wide elections in May.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"Europe is the best place on earth, at least as long as it remains a continent of freedom and rule of law ... inhabited by a community aware of its history and culture," Tusk said, before symbolically handing Michel the bell used at summits to call EU leaders to order.
"Im sure you, dear Charles, will use all your talents and virtues to maintain our unity," he added.
Michel, who recently stepped down as Belgian prime minister, said he would take a "common-sense approach to problem-solving with innovation and efficiency".
He stressed the green economy as a priority, while noting that Europe should be more assertive on the world stage.
"In the medium to long term, there is a risk of a new Cold War between the United States and China," Michel said earlier, in an interview with Italy's La Stampa and other European newspapers published on Friday.
"Europe risks becoming collateral damage in this future conflict," he warned.
Later on Friday, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker is due to put in a final appearance before journalists in Brussels.
Ursula von der Leyen, Germany's former defence minister, takes over at the helm of a new commission team on Sunday, when Michel also formally succeeds Tusk.
Australian Associated Press
