European Council President Charles Michel criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's pro-Israel stance due to the damage it has caused to the Union's reputation.

According to the Belgian official Belgian news agency, Michel made statements about von der Leyen's pro-Israel position during a press conference yesterday, Monday.

He stated that von der Leyen's strong support for Israel caused divisions within the European Union and damaged his reputation.

He said they had "paid the price" for this damage to their reputation, and accused the Commission of "excessive politicization and making statements without the approval of member states."

According to Politico news, Michel does not want to elect von der Leyen, who has become a candidate again for the presidency of the European Union Commission, based on 8 European Union officials whose names he did not mention.

This week, about 400 million voters in 27 European Union member states are heading to the polls to determine the new administration of the Union.

The new members of the European Parliament, which is the only body among the European Union institutions whose members are directly elected by the public, will be determined through elections scheduled between June 6 and 9 of this month.