During a phone call, Charles Michel proposed ”to rebuild a strong transatlantic alliance based on common interests and shared values.”

EU Council President Charles Michel has invited President-elect Joe Biden to a special meeting with the members of the European Council – the 27 EU leaders- in Brussels in 2021 ‘’to discuss shared priorities,’’ his spokesperson said after Michel and Biden spoke Monday.  

‘’During the call President Michel proposed to rebuild a strong transatlantic alliance based on common interests and shared values. He welcomed the strong commitment of President-elect Biden to America’s allies and his support for European cooperation,’’ a statement said.

‘’The EU stands ready to tackle together with the US today’s pressing challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, climate change, security, and multilateralism.’’

Charles Michel stated:  “Now is the time to join forces. In a changing world, our partnership will be more important than ever to protect our citizens, relaunch our economies, stop global warming and create a safer world. The EU and the US will always have more impact when taking steps together.”

On the same day, the president-elect  named his top foreign policy staff, with, as expected, Antony Blinken as next Secretary of State.

Biden said:  “We have no time to lose when it comes to our national security and foreign policy. I need a team ready on Day One to help me reclaim America’s seat at the head of the table, rally the world to meet the biggest challenges we face, and advance our security, prosperity, and values.”

He also named former Secretary of State John Kerry as special presidential envoy for climate who will sit on the National Security Council.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a veteran member of the foreign service would serve as ambassador to the United Nations and Jake Sullivan, a former advisor to Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama  will serve as a national security advisor, media reports say.