EU’s Tusk and Juncker bow out as new team prepare to move in

Charles Michel and Donald Tusk warmly hugged one another during the handover ceremony.

The two men who have personified the European Union across the world in recent years are bowing out.

As of Sunday, European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker will be replaced by Germany’s Ursula von der Leyen at the head of the EU executive, and Belgium’s Charles Michel will succeed Donald Tusk as EU Council president and chair the summits of EU leaders.

Mr Michel and Mr Tusk warmly hugged one another at EU headquarters during the handover ceremony from the Polish Christian Democrat to the free-market liberal former Belgian prime minister.

Mr Juncker, who previously was Luxembourg prime minister for almost 19 years, was holding his own farewell encounter in front of the media.

Another ceremony is set for Sunday when the new team officially starts its term.