The Republic of Moldova is bringing together its most representative voices at this large-scale event dedicated to European integration and societal transformation. Organized by the Realitatea Media Group, the event will take place on April 30 and aims to serve as a major platform for dialogue, inspiration, and civic engagement.
The organizers emphasize Michel’s role as a key European figure who supported Moldova’s path toward EU candidate status, a milestone in the country’s European integration process. His participation strengthens the international dimension of the event and reconfirms European support for Chișinău. During the panel dedicated to democracy, he will address the challenges and opportunities of European integration, as well as lessons learned from his experience in European leadership.
Charles Michel, a Belgian politician, served as President of the European Council from 2019 to 2024. Before that, he held the position of Prime Minister of Belgium from 2014 to 2019, becoming one of the youngest heads of government in Europe. He represents the French-speaking liberal party Reformist Movement.
Born in Namur in 1975, Michel studied law and worked as a lawyer in Brussels. His European outlook was shaped by participation in the Erasmus program in the Netherlands, which he describes as formative: “I went there as a Belgian and came back as a convinced European.”
He began his political career early, entering the Belgian federal parliament in 1999. He later served in regional and federal ministerial roles and led the city of Wavre as mayor between 2006 and 2014. In 2014, he became Prime Minister of Belgium.
In 2019, European leaders elected him President of the European Council, and he was re-elected in 2022 for a second term. After completing his mandate, he remained active internationally, engaging in academic and global initiatives, including collaboration with the China Europe International Business School and participation in the jury of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2026.
