The outgoing President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, invited his successor, Ursula von der Leyen, to "take care of Europe", during his farewell to journalists, on Friday 29 November in Brussels.
"I will not leave a memo for Mrs von der Leyen. But I can tell her to take care of Europe", said Mr Juncker, two days before the 'von der Leyen' team (see EUROPE 12378/1) takes office.
Asked about the recent revelations in the investigation into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia (see other news), Jean-Claude Juncker also said he was "highly concerned" about the situation of the rule of law in Europe. "I am worried. In more than one country, the rule of law is not respected enough", he deplored.
Charles Michel calls for vigilance
The same is true at the seat of the Council of the EU, where the transfer of power at the head of the European Council between the Pole Donald Tusk and the Belgian Charles Michel was taking place at almost the same time.
"Europe is the best place on earth, as long as it remains a continent of freedom, and rule of law, which is habited by a community aware of its history and culture", the outgoing president said, visibly moved.
Charles Michel, although optimistic about "this new page", was also aware of the fragility of the political situation. "Today, we live in peace, but we must remain vigilant. Very vigilant", he warned, pledging to do what he could "to promote respect and mutual understanding between European leaders".
Both Mr Michel and Mr Tusk called for the protection and maintenance of unity in the Union. (Original version in French by Agathe Cherki, intern)