EU Council President Charles Michel has come under fire for his extensive use of private jets, despite advocating for so-called “climate change” action, Remix News reports.
In 2022 alone, Michel’s private jet trips cost EU taxpayers a record €700,000 (about $776,000), with the president frequently flying to nearby locations.
French newspaper Le Monde reported that these trips not only generate large amounts of CO2 emissions, but also cost five-digit euro sums per flight.
Michel’s total travel expenses have surpassed those of his predecessors, Donald Tusk and Herman Van Rompuy, who both remained under half a million, Remix notes.
Furthermore, Michel often travels with large entourages, contributing to the high costs.
His travel budget has recently been increased by 27.5% to €2.6 million (roughly $2,882,000) through 2024, with his office citing the war in Ukraine as justification for the increase.
Despite attending climate conferences like COP26 and COP27 via private jet, Michel continues to emphasize the EU’s commitment to climate action.
At COP27, he stated, “We are, and will remain, champions of climate action, and we are determined to step up the pace of change. We are committed to protecting nature, the oceans and forests, which are the lungs of the planet, sustaining biodiversity and human life on earth.”
In response to criticism, Michel has accused detractors of attempting to “destabilize” and “intimidate” him, while also suggesting that his increased travel is due to the EU’s growing role on the international stage.
